[a. F. compresse (16th c. in Paré), ad. L. compressa, from compressus, pa. pple. of comprimĕre: see prec.]
1. Surg. A soft mass of linen, lint or other material formed into a pad, which, by the aid of a bandage, can be made to press upon any part; used for compressing an artery, for keeping a dressing, plaister, etc., in its place, applying medicinal agents, and the like. In hydropathic use, applied to a piece of cloth, wetted with water, and tightly covered with a waterproof or thick impervious bandage, applied to the surface of the body for the relief of inflammation or irritation.
1599. A. M., trans. Gabelhouer’s Bk. Physicke, 48. Take fine Hempen toa and make therof little compresses, as bigge as the palme of a childe’s hande, & madefye them heerin, and apply them on the Eyes.
1676. R. Wiseman, Chirurg. Treat., IV. iv. 277. I dressed it again with Lenients, Compresse, and good Bandage.
1725. Bradley, Fam. Dict., s.v. Nerves, Put a Compress to it that has been dipt in the same Wine.
1807. Med. Jrnl., XVII. 301. The leg was dressed and … a thick compress was applied under the calf, with a view to prevent more sinuses.
1807–26. S. Cooper, First Lines Surg. (ed. 5), 115. The pad … to be placed immediately over a graduated compress, which is to be put directly over the wound in the artery.
1848. Thackeray, Bk. Snobs, xxxvii. The former had a wet compresse around her body.
1865. Pall Mall G., 4 Aug., 3/1. Any one who has ever applied a cold compress to a sore throat.
1870. Smedley, Pract. Hydrop. (ed. 12). Body bandage or wet compress.
2. A machine for pressing cotton-bales and other articles into a compact form for transport, etc.
1874. in Knight, Dict. Mech.
