1. [n]  a condition caused by deficiency of ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
2. [adj]  of the most contemptible kind; "abject cowardice"; "a low stunt to pull"; "a low-down sneak"; "his miserable treatment of his family"; "You miserable skunk!"; "a scummy rabble"; "a scurvy trick"

Scurvy
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1. \Scur"vy\, a. [Compar. {Scurvier}; superl. {Scurviest}.]
   [From {Scurf}; cf. {Scurvy}, n.]
   1. Covered or affected with scurf or scabs; scabby; scurfy;
      specifically, diseased with the scurvy. ``Whatsoever man .
      . . be scurvy or scabbed.'' --lev. xxi. 18, 20.
   2. Vile; mean; low; vulgar; contemptible. ``A scurvy trick.''
      --Ld. Lytton.
            That scurvy custom of taking tobacco. --Swift.
            [He] spoke spoke such scurvy and provoking terms.
                                                  --Shak.
   

2. \Scur"vy\, n. [Probably from the same source as scirbute,
   but influenced by scurf, scurfy, scurvy, adj.; cf. D.
   scheurbuik scurvy, G. scharbock, LL. scorbutus. Cf.
   {Scorbute}.] (Med.)
   A disease characterized by livid spots, especially about the
   thighs and legs, due to extravasation of blood, and by spongy
   gums, and bleeding from almost all the mucous membranes. It
   is accompanied by paleness, languor, depression, and general
   debility. It is occasioned by confinement, innutritious food,
   and hard labor, but especially by lack of fresh vegetable
   food, or confinement for a long time to a limited range of
   food, which is incapable of repairing the waste of the
   system. It was formerly prevalent among sailors and soldiers.
   {Scurvy grass} [Scurvy + grass; or cf. Icel. skarfak[=a]l
      scurvy grass.] (Bot.) A kind of cress ({Cochlearia
      officinalis}) growing along the seacoast of Northern
      Europe and in arctic regions. It is a remedy for the
      scurvy, and has proved a valuable food to arctic
      explorers. The name is given also to other allied species
      of plants.