GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Physic , n. [OE. phisike, fisike, OF. phisique, F. physique knowledge of nature, physics, L. physica, physice, fr. Gr. φυσική, fr. φυσικός natural, from φύσις nature, fr. φύειν to produce, grow, akin to E. be. See Be, and cf. Physics, Physique.]
   The art of healing diseases; the science of medicine; the theory or practice of medicine; -- an archaic term, superseded by medicine. [archaic]  “A doctor of physik.”  
   Chaucer.
   
   1913 Webster
   A specific internal application for the cure or relief of sickness; a remedy for disease; a medicine.
   1913 Webster
   Specifically, a medicine that purges; a cathartic.
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   A physician. [R.]
   Shak.
   
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   Physic nut (Bot.), a small tropical American euphorbiaceous tree (Jatropha Curcas), and its seeds, which are well flavored, but contain a drastic oil which renders them dangerous if eaten in large quantities.
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

2.       
   Physic , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Physiced ; p. pr. & vb. n. Physicking .]
   To treat with physic or medicine; to administer medicine to, esp. a cathartic; to operate on as a cathartic; to purge.
   1913 Webster
   To work on as a remedy; to heal; to cure.
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   The labor we delight in physics pain.
   Shak.
   
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   A mind diseased no remedy can physic.
   Byron.
   
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