Phys"ic (?), n. [OE. phisike,
fisike, OF. phisique, F. physique knowledge of
nature, physics, L. physica, physice, fr. Gr. &?;, fr.
fysiko`s natural, from fy`sis nature, fr. &?; 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. "A doctor of physik." Chaucer.
2. A specific internal application for the
cure or relief of sickness; a remedy for disease; a
medicine.
3. Specifically, a medicine that purges; a
cathartic.
4. A physician. [R.] Shak.
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.
Phys"ic (?), v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Physiced (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Physicking (?).] 1. To treat with physic
or medicine; to administer medicine to, esp. a cathartic; to operate
on as a cathartic; to purge.
2. To work on as a remedy; to heal; to
cure.
The labor we delight in physics
pain.
Shak.
A mind diseased no remedy can
physic.
Byron.
