v. [f. L. contūs-, ppl. stem of contundĕre: see CONTUND.]
1. trans. To injure as by a blow with a blunt instrument or heavy body, without breaking the skin; to bruise.
1541. R. Copland, Galyen’s Terap., 2 Fij b. Yf the flesshe be contused or cut.
1676. Wiseman, Chirurg. Treat., III. v. 228. The Ligature contuses the Lips in cutting them.
1767. Poetry, in Ann. Reg., 231. The forceful onset had contus’d his brain.
1843. Lytton, Last Bar., I. iv. A patient so contused should lose blood.
transf. a. 1699. Kirkton, Hist. Ch. Scot., vii. (1817), 296. A book which had been contused by a pistoll ball.
† 2. To pound, beat small, bray, crush, bruise.
1552. Huloet, Anaxarchus … beynge contused or stamped in a morter with Iron pestles.
1626. Bacon, Sylva, § 574. Their Roots, Barks, and Seeds, contused together.
Hence Contused ppl. a., bruised.
1747. Wesley, Prim. Physic (1762), 118. Contused or lacerated Wounds.
1860. Motley, Netherl. (1868), I. v. 19. With no further harm than a contused shoulder.
