2. (n.) Pain so extreme as to cause writhing or contortions of the body, similar to those made in the athletic contests in Greece; and hence, extreme pain of mind or body; anguish; paroxysm of grief; specifically, the sufferings of Christ in the garden of Gethsemane.
3. (n.) Paroxysm of joy; keen emotion.
4. (n.) The last struggle of life; death struggle.