In medical jurisprudence . The pathological effect (as distinguished from physiological effect) of excessive indulgence in intoxicating liquors. It is acute when induced by excessive potations at one time or in the course of a single debauch. An attack of delirium tremens and alcoholic homicidal mania are examples of this form. It is chronic when resulting from the long- continued use of spirits in less quantities, as in the case of dipsomania.
Black’s Law Online Dictionary
