intestine

INTEST'INE, a. [L. intestinus, from intus, within.]

1. Internal; inward; opposed to external; applied to the human or other animal body; as an intestine disease.

2. Internal with regard to a state or country; domestic, not foreign; as intestine feuds; intestine war; intestine enemies. It is to be remarked that this word is usually or always applied to evils. We never say, intestine happiness or prosperity; intestine trade,manufactures or bills; but intestine broils, trouble, disorders, calamities, war, &c. We say, internal peace, welfare, prosperity, or internal broils,war, trade, &c. This restricted use of intestine seems to be entirely arbitrary.

INTEST'INE, n. Usually in the plural, intestines. The bowels; the canal or tube that extends, with convolutions, from the right orifice of the stomach to the anus.