Black's Law Dictionary (2nd edition)dictionaries

Alcoholism

In medical jurispru-dence. The pathological efTect (as distin-guished from physiological effect) of excessive indulgence in intoxicating liquors. It is acute when induced by excessive potations at one time or in the course of a single debauch. An attack of delirium tremens and alcoholic homicidal mania are examples of this form. It is chronic when resulting from the long

Source: Black's Law Dictionary 2nd Ed (1910)