[‘from the tradition that those who sought the intercession of St. Anthony recovered from the pestilential erysipelas called the sacred fire, which proved extremely fatal in 1089.’ Brewer, Phr. & Fab.] A popular name of erysipelas.
1527. L. Andrew, Brunswyke’s Distyll. Waters, A ij. Sorell water slaketh St. Anthonys fyre.
1607. Topsell, Serpents, 815. The disease called Erysipelas, commonly called St. Anthonies fire.
1657. Phys. Dict., Anthonies fire, the shingles.
1693. Luttrell, Brief Rel., III. 115. Symptoms of St. Anthony’s fire appearing, she was let blood.
1834. Penny Cycl., II. 96/2. The cure of the distemper called the sacred fire, since that time called St. Anthony’s fire.
