a. and sb. [mod. f. Gr. κάτω downwards + καθαρτικός CATHARTIC; cf. ANOCATHARTIC. Also formerly cata-.]
A. adj. Causing evacuation of the bowels, purgative. B. sb. A purgative medicine.
1704. J. Harris, Lex. Techn., Catacatharticks, are Medicines that purge downwards … Cato-cathartick Medicines, are such as work downwards.
1721. Bailey, Catacathartic.
