wheal

noun

1. A small raised swelling on the skin, often itchy, caused by a blow from a whip or an insect bite etc.

   “A Perſon of Honour, of a full Body abounding with ſharp Humours, was ſeized with an Herpes on his right Leg. […] [I]t inflamed and ſwelled very much, many Wheals aroſe, and fretted one into another, with great Excoriation.”

   “So they gripped again until red wheals rose on their backs and shoulders by reason of the grievous clasping of their arms.”

2. (Australia, Cornwall, South)A mine.

   “The four last-mentioned mines, Wheal Crowndale, Wheal Crebor, East Liscombe, and Wheal Tamar, are on the same lode, which ranges as usual from east to west, and are included in a space of about four miles in length.”

   “Surrounding the village are the remains ot many mine workings including the picturesque gtoup of clifftop buildings thar were once part of one of the county's best known mines - Wheal Coares.”

   “If you look at the map there are ‘wheals’ all over the place. There's Wheal Rose, Wheal Plenty and Wheal Busy. Back on the tramroad the industrial communities come thick and fast as you head southeast to Wheal Rose.”

verb

1. (uncommon)Synonym of wale.