▪ I. ergotize, v.1
(ˈɜːgətaɪz)
[f. ergot n. + -ize.]
trans. To affect with or transform into ergot.
Hence ˈergotized ppl. a.
| 1860 Gard. Chron. 29 Sept., The formidable consequences of ergotized corn, when eaten. 1875 H. Wood Therap. (1879) 552 When the summer is wet and cold, the rye becomes very extensively ergotized. 1884 Pall Mall G. 12 Sept. 2/1 Some fifteen outbreaks of foot-rot, the result of eating ergotized rye. |
▪ II. ergotize, v.2
(ˈɜːgətaɪz)
[f. ergo: cf. ergotism and -ize.]
intr. To quibble, wrangle.
| 1883 Stevenson Treasure of Franchard vi, He uses it [the word ratiocinate]..in the sense of to ergotise, implying as it were..a vein of sophistry. |