[ad. L. vomitōri-um (whence F. vomitoire, Sp., Pg., It. vomitorio): see prec. and next.]
† 1. A medicine or the like that causes or induces vomiting; an emetic. Obs.
1601. Holland, Pliny, II. 252. This Tithymall is nothing so strong a vomitorie as the former.
1666. G. Harvey, Morb. Angl., xix. (1672), 38. Having a power to force themselves a vomiting … by straining, or by other means in taking Vomitories privately.
1694. Salmon, Bate’s Dispens. (1713), 332/1. A most gentle Vomitory, Dejectory, and Diaphoretick.
1753. Chambers’ Cycl., Suppl., s.v. Anacatharsis, Vomitories, sternutatories or masticatories.
fig. 1651. Wittie, trans. Primrose’s Pop. Err., IV. xxxiv. 338. So infirme … are all those things which are prescribed against this sort of poyson, but especially vomitories who do … offer great violence to Nature.
2. An opening, door or passage in a theater, playhouse, or the like, affording ingress or egress to the spectators; originally (and usually) = VOMITORIUM.
1730. A. Gordon, Maffei’s Amphith., 274. He had made the number of the Vomitories in the Middle full in the second Line.
1776. Gibbon, Decl. & F., xii. I. 351. Sixty-four vomitories (for by that name the doors were very aptly distinguished) poured forth the immense multitude.
1847. Prescott, Peru (1850), II. 54. Low ranges of buildings, consisting of spacious halls with wide doors or vomitories opening into the square.
1850. Tait’s Mag., XVII. 629/1. Yonder are the vomitories through which … the tide of eager population flowed.
1861. Miss E. A. Beaufort, Egypt. Sepulchres & Syrian Shr., II. xxiv. 320. Near this are the remains of a once fine theatre…: some of the vomitories still remain.
3. A funnel, vent or other opening through which matter is emitted or discharged.
1822. Blackw. Mag., XI. 427. A low building, which is almost all chimney—it has indeed a wide-throated vomitory … for so tiny an edifice.
1863. Lyell, Antiq. Man, xv. 307. From this vomitory, the old glacier poured into the plains … that wonderful accumulation of mud.
1904. R. G. Farrer, Gard. Asia, 165. Those roaring vomitories [sc. volcanoes] of the underworld.
b. In fig. use.
1826. J. Wilson, Noct. Ambr., Wks. 1855, I. 270. His tongue struck dumb in his cheek, and the vomitory of vociferation hermetically sealed.
1829. Blackw. Mag., XXVI. 917. Our three great theatres, which Mr. Prynne … proved long ago to be vomitories of vice.
1830. Fraser’s Mag., I. 236. The great vomitory of the London press.
1878. J. Thomson, Plenip. Key, 25. Your shameless charlatans whose dirty tricks And frothy gab defile all politics … Retard sure progress—damn such vomitories!
