physic

/ˈfɪzɪk/
noun
  1. A medicine or substance used to treat illness, especially a laxative.
    • The old doctor prescribed a bitter physic to cleanse the patient's system.
    • She brewed a herbal physic from roots and leaves to soothe her stomach.
    • In the 18th century, many people took a physic regularly to stay healthy.
  2. The art or practice of medicine; healing.
    • Her grandmother was known for her knowledge of physic and natural remedies.
    • He studied physic at the university before becoming a surgeon.
    • The ancient Greeks made great advances in the science of physic.
verb
  1. To treat with medicine, especially a laxative.
    • In those days, doctors often physicked their patients for almost any ailment.
    • They physicked the sick horse with a purgative to clear its bowels.
    • The physician physicked the patient with a mild tonic.
What does "physic" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean