from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Physic \Phys"ic\ (f[i^]z"[i^]k), n. [OE. phisike, fisike, OF.
phisique, F. physique knowledge of nature, physics, L.
physica, physice, fr. Gr. fysikh`, fr. fysiko`s natural, from
fy`sis nature, fr. fy`ein to produce, grow, akin to E. be.
See {Be}, and cf. {Physics}, {Physique}.]
1. The art of healing diseases; the science of medicine; the
theory or practice of medicine; -- an archaic term,
superseded by {medicine}. [archaic] "A doctor of physik."
--Chaucer.
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2. A specific internal application for the cure or relief of
sickness; a remedy for disease; a medicine.
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3. Specifically, a medicine that purges; a cathartic.
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4. A physician. [R.] --Shak.
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{Physic nut} (Bot.), a small tropical American euphorbiaceous
tree ({Jatropha Curcas}), and its seeds, which are well
flavored, but contain a drastic oil which renders them
dangerous if eaten in large quantities.
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