a. and sb. [Modified from ALEXIPHARMAC by form-association with the ending -IC, as in tonic, diuretic, etc.]
A. adj. Preserving from the effects of poison; counteracting or driving away poison; having the quality or nature of an antidote.
1671. Salmon, Syn. Med., III. xxii. 393. Marigold, the flowers are Alexipharmick.
1761. Smollett, in Brit. Mag., II. 117. Alexipharmic boluses and neutral draughts.
1830. Lindley, Nat. Syst. Bot., 233. Supposed by the Indian doctors … to be alexipharmic.
B. sb. An alexipharmic medicine or application; a remedy or preservative against poison; an antidote or ‘counterpoison.’
1683. Salmon, Doron Med., II. 394. A mighty great Cordial, alexipharmick, and counter-poyson.
1751. Johnson, Rambler, No. 120, ¶ 2. They filled his apartments with alexipharmics, restoratives, and essential virtues.
1768. Pennant, Brit. Zool., 20. The horns were employed as alexipharmics.
1836. M. Chapman, Prom. Bd., in Blackw. Mag., XL. 730. Alexipharmic was there none or drug.
