Pĕst, n.
n. [Lat. pestis, Fr., Sp., Pg., & It. peste.]
Sense 1. A fatal epidemic disease; plague; pestilence.
Let fierce Achilles The god propitiate, and the pest assuage. Pope.
Sense 2. Hence, any thing which resembles a pest; that which is very noxious, mischievous, or destructive. “A pest and public enemy.” South.
She spake; and at her words the hellish pest Forbore. Milton.
Of all virtues, justice is the best; Valor without it is a common pest. Waller.