Short periods of intense activity or illness; also refers to contests or competitions, especially in boxing.
From Dutch 'bout,' though the origin is uncertain—possibly related to Old English 'bogan' meaning 'to bend.' The word entered English around the 1500s with multiple related meanings.
A boxing 'bout' and a 'bout' of sickness share the same word because both involve intensive encounters—one against an opponent, one against illness. This metaphor shows how much our language treats disease like combat.
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