be at the plague

Meanings:

• 1.

  British Englisharchaic
  • To be afflicted with the plague or a similarly widespread, serious disease.

• 2.

  British Englisharchaic
  • To be under a severe misfortune, curse, or scourge; to be plagued by persistent troubles.

• 3.

  British Englisharchaicliterary
  • To suffer severely from an epidemic or contagious malady.

• 4.

  British Englisharchaicliterary
  • To be the object of intense blame, hostility, or calamitous circumstances (figurative, historical usage).