Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Hives \Hives\, n. [Scot.; perh. akin to E. heave.] (Med.)
   (a) The croup.
   (b) An eruptive disease (Varicella globularis), allied to the
       chicken pox.

Source : WordNet®

hives
     n : an itchy skin eruption characterized by weals with pale
         interiors and well-defined red margins; usually the
         result of an allergic response to insect bites or food or
         drugs [syn: {urtication}, {urticaria}, {nettle rash}]