De*lir"i*um (?), n. [L., fr.
delirare to rave, to wander in mind, prop., to go out of the
furrow in plowing; de- + lira furrow, track; perh. akin
to G. geleise track, rut, and E. last to endure.]
1. (Med.) A state in which the thoughts,
expressions, and actions are wild, irregular, and incoherent; mental
aberration; a roving or wandering of the mind, -- usually dependent
on a fever or some other disease, and so distinguished from
mania, or madness.
2. Strong excitement; wild enthusiasm;
madness.
The popular delirium [of the French Revolution]
at first caught his enthusiastic mind.
W.
Irving.
The delirium of the preceding session (of
Parliament).
Morley.
Delirium tremens (?). [L., trembling delirium]
(Med.), a violent delirium induced by the excessive and
prolonged use of intoxicating liquors. -- Traumatic
delirium (Med.), a variety of delirium following
injury.
Syn. -- Insanity; frenzy; madness; derangement; aberration;
mania; lunacy; fury. See Insanity.