[a. F. convalescence (15th c.), ad. L. convalēscentia regaining of health, f. convalēscent-em, CONVALESCENT.]
1. Gradual recovery of health and strength after illness.
c. 1489. Caxton, Blanchardyn, xl. (1890), 149. Seeng his fader broughte vp ayen in good conualescence and helth.
c. 1500. Melusine, 179. In me was none hope of conualescence nor of lyf.
a. 1631. Donne, in Selections (1840), 88. Sickness had enfeebled my body, but I have a convalescence.
1642. Howell, For. Trav. (Arb.), 24. The Physitians hold there is no perfection of corporall health in this life, but a convalessence at best.
1779. Johnson, Lett. Mrs. Thrale, 8 Oct. On Thursday … I ventured on my dinner, which I think has a little interrupted my convalescence.
1815. Scott, Guy M., xvii. [He] had written to my mother, expressing his entire convalescence.
1879. E. Garrett, House by Works, II. 180. The slow days of convalescence wore away in the sea-port town.
b. transf.
1856. Olmsted, Slave States, 278. The convalescence of Virginia agriculture.
2. Roman Law. (See quots.)
1875. Poste, Gaius, II. (ed. 2), 283. The retroactive effect of the removal of an original impediment to the validity of a title is called the Convalescence of the title.
1880. Muirhead, trans. Gaius, II. § 218. If the legacy be to one who is not an heir … Sabinus held it incapable of convalescence under the Neronian senatus-consult.
