pissasphalt
(ˈpɪsæsfælt)
Also in L. (or Gr.-L.) forms pissasphalton, -um, -us.
[ad. L. pissasphalt-us (Plin.), a. Gr. πισσάσϕαλτος, f. πίσσα pitch + ἄσϕαλτος asphalt.]
A semi-liquid variety of bitumen, mentioned by ancient writers.
| 1601 Holland Pliny II. 183 As touching Pissasphalt, which is of a mixt nature, as if pitch and Bitumen were mingled together. Ibid. 557 All these the Greeks doe comprehend vnder one name Pissasphalton. 1705 Phil. Trans. XXV. 2106 There were several Kinds of Embalming, viz. with Asphalt or Pissasphalt, with Oyl or Gum of Cedar. 1794 Sullivan View Nat. II. 107 The pissasphaltum is of a consistency between the common petroleum and the asphaltum, or bitumen of Judea. 1859 Wingfield Tour Dalmatia 80 The ‘pissasphalt’, used anciently by the Egyptians for embalming their dead. |