\Vi*cis"si*tude\, n. [L. vicissitudo, fr. vicis
change, turn: cf. F. vicissitude. See {Vicarious}.]
1. Regular change or succession from one thing to another;
   alternation; mutual succession; interchange.
         God made two great lights . . . To illuminate the
         earth and rule the day In their vicissitude, and
         rule the night.                       --Milton.
2. Irregular change; revolution; mutation.
         This man had, after many vicissitudes of fortune,
         sunk at last into abject and hopeless poverty.
                                               --Macaulay.