noun. A morbid retention of fecal matter in the bowels. See constipation.

noun. Figuratively, slowness in action; especially, slowness or difficulty in giving forth or uttering, in a general sense; closeness; reticence.

noun. An unnatural retention of the fecal matter of the bowels; constipation.

noun. Inability to express one's self; stiffness.

noun. The state or quality of being costive; constipation.

noun. Inability to express oneself; stiffness.

"The author prefers to use the term costiveness for the general debased condition of the system from auto-intoxication depending upon proctitis and similar conditions of the intestinal tract."

amputations  aneurism  bed-wetting  bluffer  complainer  

constipation  stiffness