Webster's 1828 Dictionary
THERIAC, THERIACA
n.[L. theriaca; Gr. treacle. ] A name given by the ancients to various compositions esteemed efficacious against the effects of poison, but afterwards restrained chiefly to what has been called Theriaca Andromachi, or Venice-treacle, which is a compound of sixty four drugs, prepared, pulverized, and reduced by means of honey to an electuary.
THERIAC, THERIACAL
a.Pertaining to theriac; medicinal.
Webster's 1913 Dictionary
THERIAC; THERIACA
The "ri *ac, The *ri "a *ca, n. Etym: [L. theriaca an antidote against the bite of serpents, Gr. thériaque. See Treacle. ]
1. (Old Med. )
Defn: An ancient composition esteemed efficacious against the effects of poison; especially, a certain compound of sixty-four drugs, prepared, pulverized, and reduced by means of honey to an electuary; -- called also theriaca Andromachi, and Venice treacle.
2. Treacle; molasses. British Pharm.
THERIAC; THERIACAL
The "ri *ac, The *ri "a *cal, a. Etym: [Cf. F. thériacal.]
Defn: Of or pertaining to theriac; medicinal. "Theriacal herbs." Bacon.
New American Oxford Dictionary
theriac
the ri ac |ˈTHi (ə )rēˌak ˈθɪəriæk | ▶noun archaic an ointment or other medicinal compound used as an antidote to snake venom or other poison. ORIGIN late Middle English: from Latin theriaca (see treacle ).
Oxford Dictionary
theriac
theriac |ˈθɪərɪak | ▶noun [ mass noun ] archaic an ointment or other medicinal compound used as an antidote to snake venom or other poison. ORIGIN late Middle English: from Latin theriaca (see treacle ).
The Wordsmith Dictionary