Dictionary entry

Convulsion

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Con‐vul″sion (?), n. [L. convulsio: cf. F. convulsion.] 1. (Med.) An unnatural, violent, and unvoluntary contraction of the muscular parts of an animal body.

2. Any violent and irregular motion or agitation; a violent shaking; a tumult; a commotion.

Those two massy pillars,

With horrible convulsion, to and fro

He tugged, he shook, till down they came.

Milton.

Times of violence and convulsion.

Ames.

Syn. — Agitation; commotion; tumult; disturbance.