a. and sb. [f. med.L. alexiter-ium (see ALEXITERY) + -IC.]
A. adj. properly, Having the power to ward off contagion; but used as Having the properties of an antidote, alexipharmic.
1706. Phillips, Alexiterical or Alexiterick, that preserves from or drives out Poison, and hinders its mischievous effects a Humane Body.
1879. Syd. Soc. Lex., Alexiteric, having the properties of an Alexeterium: antidotal.
B. sb. A preservative against contagion or poison.
1694. Westmacott, Script. Herb., 92. The berries [of juniper] … are a great Diuretick, Sudorifick, and Alexiterick.
1712. trans. Pomet’s Hist. Drugs, I. 26. One of the greatest Alexitericks in the World.
1753. in Chambers, Cycl. Supp.
