SPLEEN, noun [Latin , Gr.] 1. The milt; a soft part of the viscera of animals, whose use is not well understood. The ancients supposed this to be the seat of melancholy, anger or vexation. Hence, 2. Anger; latent spite; ill humor. Thus we say, to vent ones spleen In noble minds some dregs remain, Not yet purged off, of spleen and sour disdain. 3. A fit of anger. 4. A fit; a sudden motion. [Not used.] 5. Melancholy; hypochondriacal affections. --Bodies changd to recent forms by spleen 6. Immoderate merriment. [Not in use.]
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI