'scorbutic' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'scorbuticus', which in turn comes from Medieval Latin 'scorbutus' meaning 'scurvy'.

'scorbutus' (Medieval Latin) was used for the disease 'scurvy' and passed into English medical usage via New Latin 'scorbuticus', eventually forming the English adjective 'scorbutic'.

Initially, it meant 'of or relating to scurvy', and while that medical sense remains, the word has also developed a figurative sense meaning 'peevish' or 'ill-tempered'.