whitlow Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a purulent infection at the end of a finger or toe in the area surrounding the nail
    felon.

WordNet

Whit"low noun
Etymology
Prov. E. whickflaw, for quickflaw, i. e., a flaw or sore at the quick; cf. Icel. kvika the quick under the nail or under a horse's hoof. See Quick, a., and Flaw.
Definitions
  1. (Med.) An inflammation of the fingers or toes, generally of the last phalanx, terminating usually in suppuration. The inflammation may occupy any seat between the skin and the bone, but is usually applied to a felon or inflammation of the periosteal structures of the bone.
  2. (Far.) An inflammatory disease of the feet. It occurs round the hoof, where an acrid matter is collected.

Webster 1913