01 n. A remedy against poison. See Theriac, 1.
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1.
A remedy against poison. See Theriac, 1.(Old Med.) See: Theriac“We kill the viper, and make treacle of him.” — Jer. Taylor.
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2.
A sovereign remedy; a cure.[Obs.]“Christ which is to every harm treacle.” — Chaucer.
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3.
Molasses; sometimes, specifically, the molasses which drains from the sugar-refining molds, and which is also called sugarhouse molasses. Also: sugarhouse molasses
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4.
A saccharine fluid, consisting of the inspissated juices or decoctions of certain vegetables, as the sap of the birch, sycamore, and the like.
Phrases & compounds
Treacle mustard —
a name given to several species of the cruciferous genus Erysimum, especially the Erysimum cheiranthoides, which was formerly used as an ingredient in Venice treacle, or theriac.
Treacle water —
a compound cordial prepared in different ways from a variety of ingredients, as hartshorn, roots of various plants, flowers, juices of plants, wines, etc., distilled or digested with Venice treacle. It was formerly regarded as a medicine of great virtue.