a. and sb. Obs. Also 7–8 lambative, lambetive. [ad. mod.L. lambitīv-um (= B. below), f. lambĕre to lick: see -IVE.]
A. adj. Of medicines: Taken by licking up with the tongue. B. sb. A medicine so taken.
1646. Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep., IV. viii. 198. In affections both of Lungs and weazon, Physitians make use of syrupes, and lambitive medicines.
1656. W. D., trans., Comenius’ Gate Lat. Unl., § 818. 255. Lambatives, or medicines to be lickt in.
1671. Blagrave, Astrol. Physic, 87. These lambetives are usually taken with a liquorish stick.
1684. trans. Bonet’s Merc. Compit., XIV. 479. Some Physicians do ill in prescribing Lambitives at the first visit.
1695. J. Edwards, Demonstr. Exist. God, II. 44. Lohocs and the like lambitive medicines for distempers in the lungs.
1710. Steele, Tatler, No. 266, ¶ 3. Upon the Mantle Tree … stood a Pot of Lambetive Electuary.
1710. T. Fuller, Pharm. Extemp., 273. I have utterly denied the immediate descent of Lambatives into the Lungs.
