Middle English Dictionary Entry
ablūciǒun n.
Entry Info
| Forms | ablūciǒun n. Also albu-, alblu-. |
| Etymology | L ablūtiōn-em |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
Alch. and pharm. The process by which oil or other substances, after being reduced to liquid form, are cleansed of impurities. [An emulsion is formed with hot water; this is allowed to separate, and the water is drained off. See Chauliac, Bk. 7, Doct.1, Ch.4.]
Associated quotations
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.CY.(Manly-Rickert)G.856 : Yet forgat I to maken rehersaille Of..Oilles ablucioun [vrr. ablucions, albuciouns, ablucione, alblucioun] and metal fusible.
- ?a1425 *Chauliac(1) (NY 12)6b/b : Of ablucioun i. wasshing [L ablutione; *Ch.(2): clensynge] of oile of wex & of turbentyne & of butir.
- a1550 *Norton OAlch.(BodeMus 63)1623 : Wax..and butter and gummes all, A litell hete maketh them to melt & fall; watter clenseth with ablucion blyue and thinges mortefied causeth to reuyue.
- a1550 *Norton OAlch.(BodeMus 63)2872 : An other fornace..By me was founde..Nobelly seruinge for seperacion of diuidentes and for altificacion and for disiunccion called diuision and for correction called ablucion.
Supplemental Materials (draft)
Note: Med., etc., see further J.Norri, Dictionary of Medical Vocabulary, s.v. ablution.
Supplemental Materials (draft)
Note: Med., etc., see further J.Norri, Dictionary of Medical Vocabulary, s.v. ablution.