a. and sb. ? Obs. [ad. L. exsiccānt-em, pr. pple. of exsiccāre: see EXSICCATE v.]
A. adj. Drying, having the power or quality of drying up.
1657. W. Rumsey, Organ. Salutis, Ep. Ded. (1659), 18. The exsiccant quality it hath to dry up the crudities of the Stomach.
1676. Wiseman, Chirurg. Treat., VI. v. 422. Some dry or exsiccant Medicine.
1755. in Johnson.
1832. in Webster.
B. sb. An exsiccant drug or medicine.
1676. Wiseman, Chirurg. Treat., IV. iv. 296. I caused his knee to be fomented with Discutients and Exsiccants.
