Definition of sickly

The word "sickly" is a derived form of the Old English word "scealig," meaning "unhealthy" or "prone to sickness." The Old English word evolved through Middle English as "sechel," and later, in the 15th century, it appeared as "sykly" in Medieval Latin. This Latinized form of the word spread to Middle English, where it was spelled "syekely" before eventually appearing as "sickly" in Modern English. The origin of the word can be traced back to the Old English root word "scel," which meant "body" or "sickness." The usage of this root word in "sickly" highlights the notion that individuals who exhibit symptoms of illness or sickness are unhealthy and likely to fall ill again in the future. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the word "sickly" have evolved, but its meaning has remained consistent. Today, the word is frequently used to describe individuals who appear fragile, weak, or pale due to illness or poor health. In short, the word "sickly" is a descendant of the Old English word "scealig" and has a rich linguistic history spanning over a millennium.