cacoethes Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an irrational but irresistible motive for a belief or action
    mania; passion.

WordNet

Cac`o*ë"thes noun (Also<
  • Cacoethes
  • Cacoëthes
)
Etymology
L., fr. Gr. of ill habits, an ill habit; bad + habit
Definitions
  1. A bad custom or habit; an insatiable desire; as, cacoëthes scribendi, "The itch for writing". Addison.
  2. (Med.) A bad quality or disposition in a disease; an incurable ulcer.

Webster 1913