Word of the Week: valetudinarian (văl-ĭ-tōōd-n-ÂR-ē-ən)

Definition

(Noun) A person in weak health, especially one who is constantly concerned with his own ailments; an invalid.

In Context

“The evil of the actual disparity in their ages (and Mr. Woodhouse had not married early) was much increased by his constitution and habits; for having been a valetudinarian all his life, without activity of mind or body, he was a much older man in ways than in years; and though everywhere beloved for the friendliness of his heart and his amiable temper, his talents could not have recommended him at any time.”

Jane Austen, Emma, 1815.