Med. Obs. Also 6 -drappe, -drape, 7 -drop, sparrowdrope. [a. F. sparadrap († spadadrap), = It. sparadrappo, Sp. esparadrapo, Pg. sparadrapo, esparadrà, med.L. sparadrapum (spandarapum), of unknown origin. The second element may be F. drap cloth: cf. SPASMADRAP.] A piece of linen or other cloth dipped in, or spread with, some ointment or medicament for use as a bandage or plaster.
1543. Traheron, Vigos Chirurg., 268 b/2. Dyppe cloutes therein, in the fourme of a sparadrap.
1599. A. M., trans. Gabelhouers Bk. Physicke, 212/2. Applye as then theron a Sparadrape, which must in this sorte be made.
1612. Woodall, Surg. Mate, Wks. (1653), 153. Dipping a course canvas therein in forme of a sparrowdrope.
1635. A. Read, Tumors & Vlcers, 272. Above the unguents you are to apply Sparadrops made onely or wax.
1683. Salmon, Doron Med., III. 693. Take a sufficient quantity, mix, melt, and make a Sparadrap according to art.
1728. Chambers, Cycl., s.v., There are as many different kinds of Sparadrap, as there are of Plaisters for the Cloth to be dippd in.
[1755. in Johnson (citing Wiseman), and in later Dicts.]