a. and sb. Med. Obs. [ad. Gr. λαπακτικ-ός purgative, f. λαπάσσειν to evacuate.] A. adj. Purgative, laxative. (Mayne, Expos. Lex., 1855.) B. sb. in pl. (See quot.)
1753. Chambers, Cycl. Supp. Lapactics, a term used by the old writers in medicine to express such things as purged by stool, or at least gently loosened the belly.
