The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Curse \Curse\, n. [AS. curs. See Curse, v. t.]
   1. An invocation of, or prayer for, harm or injury;
      malediction.
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            Lady, you know no rules of charity,
            Which renders good for bad, blessings for curses.
                                                  --Shak.
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   2. Evil pronounced or invoked upon another, solemnly, or in
      passion; subjection to, or sentence of, divine
      condemnation.
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            The priest shall write these curses in a book.
                                                  --Num. v. 23.
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            Curses, like chickens, come home to roost. --Old
                                                  Proverb.
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   3. The cause of great harm, evil, or misfortune; that which
      brings evil or severe affliction; torment.
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            The common curse of mankind, folly and ignorance.
                                                  --Shak.
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            All that I eat, or drink, or shall beget,
            Is propagated curse.                  --Milton.
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   The curse of Scotland (Card Playing), the nine of diamonds.


   Not worth a curse. See under Cress.

   Syn: Malediction; imprecation; execration. See Malediction.
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