erysipelas \er`y*sip"e*las\ ([e^]r`[i^]*s[i^]p"[-e]*las), n.
   [L., fr. Gr. 'erysi`pelas; 'eryqro`s red + pe`lla hide, skin.
   See {Red}, and {Pell}, n.] (Med.)
   St. Anthony's fire; a febrile disease accompanied with a
   diffused red edematous inflammation of the skin, which,
   starting usually from a single point, spreads gradually over
   its surface. It is often accompanied by severe constitutional
   symptoms. It is caused by a group A hemolytic streptococcus
   ({Streptococcus pyogenes}), is contagious, and formerly often
   occured epidemically.
   [1913 Webster +PJC]