PERNI'CIOUS, a. L. perniciosus, from pernicies perneco, to kill per and nex, necis,death.
1. Destructive having the quality of killing, destroying or injuring very injurious or mischievous. Food, drink or air may be pernicious to life or health.
2. Destructive tending to injure or destroy. Evil examples are pernicious to morals. Intemperance is a pernicious vice.
3. L. pernix. Quick. Not used.
The King James Bible has stood its ground for nearly 400 years. However, during that time the English language has changed, and with it the meanings of some words it used. Here are more than 6,500 words whose definitions have changed since 1611.Wikipedia
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