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nuisance

That which annoys or gives trouble and vexation; that which is offensive or noxious.

Nuisances are public when they annoy citizens in general; private, when they affect individuals only.

Origin: OE. Noisance, OF. Noisance, nuisance, fr. L. Nocentia guilt, fr. Nocere to hurt, harm; akin to necare to kill. Cf Necromancy, Nocent, Noxious, Pernicious.