Noah Webster
Spleen
SPLEEN, noun [Latin , Gr.]
1. The milt; a soft part of the viscera of animals, whose use is not well understood. The ancients supposed this to be the seat of melancholy, anger or vexation. Hence,
2. Anger; latent spite; ill humor. Thus we say, to vent ones spleen
In noble minds some dregs remain, Not yet purged off, of spleen and sour disdain.
3. A fit of anger.
4. A fit; a sudden motion. [Not used.]
5. Melancholy; hypochondriacal affections.
--Bodies changd to recent forms by spleen
6. Immoderate merriment. [Not in use.]