homœopathic, a. (n.)
(hɒm-, həʊmiːəʊˈpæθɪk)
[f. homœopathy + -ic. Cf. F. homéopathique (1827) and Ger. homöopathisch (1824).]
1. Belonging to or of the nature of homœopathy; practising or advocating homœopathy.
| [1824 Hahnemann Organon der Heilkunst (ed. 3) 1 Diesen homöopathischen Heilweg lehrte bisher niemand.] 1830 Edin Rev. L. 513 First stands the homöopathic..then the allopathic or heteropathic [method]. a 1845 Hood To Hahnemann iii, Thanks to that soothing homœopathic balm. 1876 Baroness Bunsen in Hare Life (1879) II. viii. 467, I am resolutely homœopathic. |
2. fig. Very small or minute, like the doses usually given in homœopathy. (Often humorous.)
| 1838 Dickens O. Twist xlii, Mr. Claypole taking cold beef from the dish, and porter from the pot, and administering homœopathic doses of both to Charlotte. 1841 Motley Corr. (1889) I. iv. 70 Prussia is a mild despotism to be sure. 'Tis the homœopathic tyranny—small doses, constantly administered, and strict diet and regimen. 1876 C. M. Davies Unorth. Lond. 307 The chapel was homœopathic in its dimensions. |
B. n. A homœopathic drug or medicine.
| 1854 W. Irving in Life & Lett. (1864) IV. 179 You ask me whether the homœopathics still keep me quite well. |