from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Laudanum \Lau"da*num\, n. [Orig. the same wort as ladanum,
ladbdanum: cf. F. laudanum, It. laudano, ladano. See
{Ladanum}.]
Tincture of opium, used for various medical purposes.
[1913 Webster]
Note: A fluid ounce of American laudanum should contain the
soluble matter of one tenth of an ounce avoirdupois of
powdered opium with equal parts of alcohol and water.
English laudanum should have ten grains less of opium
in the fluid ounce. --U. S. Disp.
[1913 Webster]
{Dutchman's laudanum} (Bot.) See under {Dutchman}.
[1913 Webster]