a. Obs. [f. prec.] = VENEFICAL a.
a. 1646. J. Gregory, Posthuma (1650), 200. Simaetha the Witch … doth manifestly declare it, where speaking of her veneficial Philtra [etc.].
1646. Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep., II. vi. 99. As for the Magicall vertues in this plant, and conceived efficacie unto veneficiall intentions, it seemeth unto me a Pagan relique derived from the ancient Druides. Ibid. (1658), Gard. Cyrus, 199. Why the Goddesses sit commonly crosse-legged in ancient draughts, Since Juno is described in the same as a veneficial posture to hinder the birth of Hercules?
