mange
UK[meɪndʒ]US[meɪndʒ]
n
a skin disease of animals, especially dogs and cats, caused by parasitic mites and causing itching, hair loss, and scabs.
Etymology
the english word "mange" was borrowed in the late 14th century from the old french term "manjue," meaning "itch" or "scabies." this old french word is derived from the verb "mangier," meaning "to eat," which itself comes from the latin verb "manducare," meaning "to chew" or "to devour." the semantic connection is vividly metaphorical: the disease was perceived as something that "eats away" at the skin. this etymological journey from the literal act of chewing to a skin disease illustrates a classic pattern where a physical action is used to name a condition that appears to consume the body.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword from french. it cannot be meaningfully segmented into productive morphemes in modern english.
Examples
the stray dog was suffering from a severe case of mange.
treatment for mange typically involves medicated shampoos and prescribed medication.
the wildlife rehabilitator worked to heal the fox's mange before releasing it.