† alchemistry ? Obs.
(ˈælkɪmɪstrɪ)
Forms: 6–7 alcum-, alchumistrie, 7 alcum-, alchym-, 8– alchemistry.
[f. alchemist + -ry. Cf. chemist-ry, sophist-ry, rogue-ry, etc.]
The art or practice of the alchemists; alchemic art, alchemy.
| 1570 Foxe A. & M. (ed. 2) 1549/1 And farther you dyd meddle with the selling of the kinges landes. Also, you commaunded multiplication and Alcumistry to be practised, to abuse the kinges coyne. 1609 N. Breton Poste w. Pack., Touching Alchymistry I heare much but believe little. 1611 Cotgr., Alquemie, Alchumie, Alchumistrie. 1791 Bergman Chem. Ess. III. 134 A person who has no faith in the changes of alchemistry. 1817 Drake Shaks. & Times II. 154 Alchemistry was one of the foolish pursuits of the day. |