(pernio), in medicine, a tumour affecting the feet and hands; accompanied with an inflammation, pains, and sometimes an ulcer or sores of continuity: in which case it takes the denomination of chaps on the hands, and of kibes on the heels. Chilblain is compounded of chill and blain; q. d. a blain or sore contracted by cold. Pernio is the Latin name adopted by physicians; and is derived by Vellius from perna "a gammon of bacon," on account of some resemblance. Chap alludes to gape, both in sound and appearance. Kibes, in Welsh kibws, may be derived from the German kerben, "to cut;" the skin, when broke, appearing like a cut.

Chilblains are occasioned by excessive cold stopping the motion of the blood in the capillary arteries. See the article PERNIO.