a. Now rare or Obs. [ad. obs. F. spasmatique (Cotgr.), or f. Gr. σπασματ-, stem of σπάσμα spasm + -IC.]
1. Spasmodic.
1603. Holland, Plutarch’s Mor., 124. Anger … resembleth not … the sinewes of the soule, but is like rather to their stretching spreines and spasmatick convulsions.
1746. R. James, Moufet’s Health Improv., 13. Pains, Flatulencies, and spasmatic Contractions of the Intestines.
1824. Examiner, 29 Aug., 548/1. Seized with spasmatic lameness.
2. Liable to, or suffering from, spasms.
1601. Holland, Pliny, II. 44. It is a soveraigne remedie for them that bee bursten or Spasmaticke, that is to say, vexed with the Crampe.
So Spasmatical a. Now rare.
c. 1645. Howell, Lett., II. xx. The ligaments and sinews of my love … wer never yet subject to such spasmatical shrinkings and Convulsions.
1650. Elderfield, Civ. Right Tythes, 89. Many a paralytical or spasmatical fit.
1879. G. Macdonald, P. Faber, II. ix. 172. The spirit of life is at war with the spasmatical body of death.
