scurvy

/ˈskər-vē/

noun

  1. a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C and characterized by spongy gums, loosening of the teeth, and a bleeding into the skin and mucous membranes

adjective

  1. arousing disgust or scorn : contemptible, despicable

a scurvy trick

contemptible despicable pitiable sorry scurvy mean arousing or deserving scorn. contemptible may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values. despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation.

noun

  1. a cruciferous herb (such as Cochlearia officinalis) formerly used in preventing or treating scurvy