theriacal, a.
(θiːˈraɪəkəl)
[f. theriac + -al1. Cf. F. thériacal (15th c. in Godef. Compl.).]
Pertaining to or of the nature of theriac; antidotal.
| 1603 Holland Plutarch's Mor. 703 Who confound and mixe together minerals, herbs, theriacall trochists, made of the parts of venemous serpents, for the composition of their treacles. Ibid. Explan. Words, Theriacal Trochisks, Trosches made of vipers flesh. 1607 Topsell Four-f. Beasts (1658) 215 The heart of a Hair hath in it a theriacal virtue also. 1756–7 tr. Keysler's Trav. (1760) II. 131 To carry a spunge moistened with spirits of wine and a theriacal vinegar, and often to smell to it. 1857 [see prec. B]. |
Hence † theriaˈcality, theriacal quality. rare—1.
| 1657 Tomlinson Renou's Disp. 331 Mesucus uses it in the Electuary..because there is some theriacality in it. |