A severe epilepsy characterized by seizures involving spasms and by the loss of consciousness. Also called generalized epilepsy, generalized tonic-clonic epilepsy, generalized tonic-clonic seizure, grand mal epilepsy, idiopathic epilepsy, major epilepsy.
[Fr.] a major seizure attended by loss of consciousness and convulsive movements, as distinguished from petit mal, a minor seizure. See also epilepsy, seizure.