Spleen, n.

n. [Lat. splen, Gr. σπλήν, the milt or spleen, affection of the spleen.]

1. (Anat.) A ductless glandular organ, of an oval figure, situated in the upper portion of the abdominal cavity to the left of the stomach, and under the ribs; the milt. The ancients supposed it to be the seat of anger and melancholy.
2. Anger; latent spite; ill humor; as, to vent one's spleen.

In noble minds some dregs remain, Not yet purged off, of spleen and sour disdain. Pope. There is a luxury in self-dis-praise: And inward self-disparagement affords To meditative spleen a grateful feast. Wordsworth.

3. A fit of anger. Shak.
4. A sudden motion or action; a fit; a freak; a whim. [Rare.]
5. Melancholy; hypochondriacal affections.

“Bodies changed to recent forms by spleen.” Pope. 6. Immoderate merriment. [Obs.] Shak.