a. and sb. [ad. L. convalēscent-em, pr. pple. of convalēscĕre to CONVALESCE. Also in mod.F.]
A. adj. Recovering health and strength after illness; in the way of recovery; still in need of nursing.
1656. Blount, Glossogr., Convalescent, that waxeth strong.
1793. Burke, Corr. (1844), IV. 149. The French monarchy … with an infant king, and a convalescent royalty.
1806. Med. Jrnl., XV. 191. The patients become convalescent within the first week of the fever.
1853. C. Brontë, Villette, xiii. Little Georgette was now convalescent.
B. sb. One who is recovering from sickness.
1758. Chesterf., Lett. (1792), IV. 148. A troublesome and dangerous [journey] for a convalescent.
1817. Coleridge, Sibyll. Leaves, To Young Lady. How glad I am to see you here, A lovely convalescent.
1885. Dunckley, in Manchester Exam., 12 Jan., 6/1. There were the Infirmary convalescents taking the air.
b. attrib. Of or for convalescents.
1804. Naval Chron., XII. 501. The sick … are to be sent on board the convalescent Ship.
1856. Kane, Arct. Expl., II. viii. 91. Like the convalescent ward of a hospital.
1883. Harper’s Mag., 895/1. A convalescent home … was built.
