[ad. L. abscēss-us a going away, an abscess (Celsus), f. abscēdĕre: see ABSCEDE.] A collection of pus or purulent matter formed by a morbid process in a cavity of the body.
1543. Traheron, trans. Vigo’s Chirurg. (Interpretn. Strange Wordes), Aposteme … In latyne it is called abscissus.
1615. H. Crooke, Body of Man, 415. The purulent matter of the Chest is by Nature euacuated … lastly by Apostemation or abcesse.
1836. Todd, Cycl. An. & Ph., I. 604/2. Few or no abscesses granulate till they are exposed.
1860. Smiles, Self-Help, iv. 89. It was averred that vaccinated children became ‘ox-faced,’ that abscesses broke out to ‘indicate sprouting horns.’
