Obs. [Cf. G. waffensalbe.] An ointment superstitiously believed to heal a wound by sympathetic agency when applied to the weapon by which the wound was made.
1631. W. Foster (title), Hoplocrisma-Spongus; or, A Sponge to wipe away the Weapon-Salve … wherein is proved, that the Cure late-taken up amongst us, by applying the Salve to the Weapon, is Magicall and unlawfull.
1633. Hart, Diet of Diseased, III. xxx. 373. Cures … supposed to have been performed by the weapon-salve.
a. 1646. J. Gregory, Posthuma, Serm., etc. (1649), 63. The Principal ingredient of the weapon-Salv, is the Moss of a dead Man’s-skul.
1670. Dryden, Tempest, V. i. Anoint the Sword which pierc’d him with this Weapon-Salve, and wrap it close from air till I have time to visit him again.
1830. Scott, Demonol., vi. 191. The effects of healing by the weapon-salve.
fig. 1659. Stillingfl. (title), Irenicum. A Weapon-salve for the Churches Wounds.
1679. Alsop, Melius Inq., Pref. The Title raised me on tip-toes to see … that famous Weapon-salve which might consolidate the Churches bleeding wounds.
