Curse, n. [AS. curs. See Curse, v. t.] 1. An invocation of, or prayer for, harm or injury; malediction.
Lady, you know no rules of charity,
Which renders good for bad, blessings for curses.
Shak.
2. Evil pronounced or invoked upon another, solemnly, or in passion; subjection to, or sentence of, divine condemnation.
The priest shall write these curses in a book.
Num. v. 23.
Curses, like chickens, come home to roost.
Old Proverb.
3. The cause of great harm, evil, or misfortune; that which brings evil or severe affliction; torment.
The common curse of mankind, folly and ignorance.
Shak.
All that I eat, or drink, or shall beget,
Is propagated curse.
Milton.
The curse of Scotland(Card Playing), the nine of diamonds. — Not worth a curse. See under Cress.
Syn. — Malediction; imprecation; execration. See Malediction.