Pan"ic (?), n. [L. panicum.]
(Bot.) A plant of the genus Panicum; panic grass;
also, the edible grain of some species of panic grass.
Panic grass (Bot.), any grass of the
genus Panicum.
Pan"ic, a. [Gr. &?; of or pertaining to
&?; Pan, to whom the causing of sudden fright was ascribed: cf. F.
panique.] Extreme or sudden and causeless; unreasonable; -
- said of fear or fright; as, panic fear, terror, alarm.
"A panic fright." Dryden.
Pan"ic, n. [Gr. &?; (with or without &?;
fear): cf. F. panigue. See Panic, a.]
1. A sudden, overpowering fright; esp., a sudden
and groundless fright; terror inspired by a trifling cause or a
misapprehension of danger; as, the troops were seized with a
panic; they fled in a panic.
2. By extension: A sudden widespread fright or
apprehension concerning financial affairs.
