† veˈnefic, a. and n. Obs.
In 7–8 venefick.
[ad. L. venēfic-us, f. venēnum poison: see -fic. So older F. venefique, It., Sp., Pg. venefico.]
A. adj. Practising, or dealing in, poisoning; acting by poison; having poisonous effects.
| 1646 Gaule Cases Consc. 27 So may it bee the Serpentine, the Venefick or Poysonous Witch. 1651 tr. Father Paul Sarpi's Life (1676) 92 But it appears that science hath a venefick vertue of swelling many men. 1702 C. Mather Magn. Chr. ii. App. (1852) 212 They gave it under their hands that if we believe no venefick witchcraft, we must renounce the Scripture. |
B. n. One who practises poisoning as a secret art; a sorcerer or sorceress; a wizard or witch.
So L. venēficus masc. and venēfica fem.
| 1652 Gaule Magastrom. 173 Is it a matter of much artifice for veneficks, or witches, to forespeak their own purposed and laboured malefice? |