Lupus

(loo'pus.) [L., a wolf.] (Ast.) The Wolf, a constellation of the S. hemisphere, lying bet. Centaur us and Ara, to the S. of Scorpio.-(Med.) A chronic disease of the skin, in which dull or livid tubercles are developed, which have a tendency to destroy or seriously to affect the adjacent ti ues, with or without ulceration, and commonly ending in indelible cicatrices. It was formerly known as noli me tangere. The disease usually attacks the face, especially the alæ of the nose and the lips, but is sometimes met with elsewhere. It is a terrible disease, but is happily of rare occurrence. It is so called in consequence of its destructive nature. [s. 561]