Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Curse \Curse\, n. [AS. curs. See {Curse}, v. t.]
   1. An invocation of, or prayer for, harm or injury;
      malediction.

            Lady, you know no rules of charity, Which renders
            good for bad, blessings for curses.   --Shak.

   2. Evil pronounced or invoked upon another, solemnly, or in
      passion; subjection to, or sentence of, divine
      condemnation.

            The priest shall write these curses in a book.
                                                  --Num. v. 23.

            Curses, like chickens, come home to roost. --Old
                                                  Proverb.

   3. The cause of great harm, evil, or misfortune; that which
      brings evil or severe affliction; torment.

            The common curse of mankind, folly and ignorance.
                                                  --Shak.

            All that I eat, or drink, or shall beget, Is
            propagated curse.                     --Milton.

   {The curse of Scotland} (Card Playing), the nine of diamonds.
      

   {Not worth a curse}. See under {Cress}.

   Syn: Malediction; imprecation; execration. See {Malediction}.