Definitions for "Petit mal"
The mildest form of epilepsy, with momentary faintness or unconsciousness, but without convulsions; -- opposed to grand mal.
A type of epilepsy seizure which lasts only a few seconds to half a minute, characterized by a loss of awareness and an absence of activity. It is also called an absence seizure.
a seizure (or a type of epilepsy characterized by such seizures) of short duration characterized by momentary unconsciousness and local muscle spasms or twitching