† ˈmurcous,a.Obs.rare—1. [f. late L. murc-us (Amm. Marc.) one who cuts off his thumb to escape military service + -ous.] Having the thumb cut off. 1684tr.Bonet's Merc. Compit. xiv. 475 When Surgeons do not handle [whitlows] as they should..they render their Patients murcous.