E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Planet-struck.
A blighted tree is said to be planet-struck. Epilepsy, paralysis, lunacy, etc., are attributed to the malignant aspects of the planets. Horses are said to be planet-struck when they seem stupefied, whether from want of food, colic, or stoppage. The Latin word is sidertus.
1
“Evidentissimum id fuit, quod quacunque equo invectus est, ibi haud secus quam pestifero sidre icti pavbant.”—Livy, viii. 9.
tus.
re icti pav
bant.”—Livy, viii. 9.
