In plural. Low spirits; melancholy, depression. Also figurative.

plural. A morbid condition supposed to be caused by the presence of such exhalations; depression of spirits, hypochondria, hysteria, or other…

plural. So the vapours. (Common in 18th cent.)

figurative. Melancholy, depression. Cf. to have the (also a) black dog on one's back (also shoulder) at phrases.

In plural. With the. colloquial. In early use: painful or nervous sensations, seeming to affect the whole body. Later: strong feelings of…