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Webster 1913 Edition

Noun.

[L.

epithema

, Gr. [GREEK], fr. [GREEK] to lay or put on: cf. F.

épithème

. See

(Med.)

Any external topical application to the body, except ointments and plasters, as a poultice, lotion, etc.

Noun.

[Gr. to place.] In pharmacy, a kind of fomentation or poultice, to be applied externally to strengthen the part.

Any external application, or topical medicine. The term has been restricted to liquids in which cloths are dipped, to be applied to a part.

epithem ‎(plural epithems)

(medicine, historical) Any external topical application to the body, except ointments and plasters; a poultice, lotion, etc.
- 1621, Robert Burton, The Anatomy of Melancholy, II.5.1.v:
  Bruel prescribes an epitheme for the heart, of bugloss, borage, water-lily, violet waters, sweet wine, balm leaves, nutmegs, cloves, etc.