planet-struck

comparative more planet-struck · superlative most planet-struck

1. archaicAfflicted by the astrological influence of a planet; struck down with amazement or shock; panic-stricken.First known use 17th c.

   I was planet-struck! Nor was his surprise less, when he saw me, and heard my errand and my name.

   1792, Thomas Holcroft, Anna St. Ives, volume II, 23

   4 more examples

   Budæus records how that, at Louis the Twelfth his death, ..., they that were erst in heaven, upon a sudden, as if they had been planet-strucken, lay grovelling on the ground ...

   1621, Robert Burton, The Anatomy of Melancholy, I.2.4.VII

   I protest I know not what Face the Moon bore at that time, but I am sure I appear'd like one Planet-struck, and retir'd, more fit indeed for a Grave than a Mistress.

   1723, Charles Walker, Memoirs of Sally Salisbury, section VI

   [N]early a hundred officers all with their swords on […] had been drawn to the court-house in the hopes of entertainment from hearing Cressey abuse the judges, but who seemed quite planet-struck when the riot commenced, and more frightened than any other of the spectators!

   1808–10, William Hickey, Memoirs of a Georgian Rake, Folio Society 1995, p. 234

   To be thus ‘planet-struck’ or ‘blasted’ was to be suddenly and inexplicably affected by a paralysing disease, apoplexy or other kind of sudden death.

   1971, Keith Thomas, Religion and the Decline of Magic, Folio Society, published 2012, page 613

   Synonyms: planet-stricken