[f. prec. sb.: cf. mod.F. confectionner in sense 3.]
1. trans. To prepare for use with sugar, syrup, or the like; to make into a confection; to mix, make up as a condiment or seasoned delicacy. Also fig.
1533. Elyot, Cast. Helthe (1541), 30 b. Gynger … grene, or well confectioned in syrope. Ibid., 44 b. Hote wynes and swete, or confectioned with spices.
1562. Leigh, Armorie (1597), 124. Sweet fruits and daintie delicates, confectioned with curious Cookerie.
1623. Favine, Theat. Hon., II. xii. 165. Neuerthelesse it was confexioned with bitternesse and crosses.
1662. H. Stubbe, Ind. Nectar, v. 91. A cup of Chocolatte well confectioned comforts and strengthens the Stomach.
1830. Fraser’s Mag., I. 527. Pelham’s recipe for confectioning the condiment hight A Man of Fashion.
1879. F. S. Bridges, Round the World, 81. [He] confectioned a sort of punch out of saki, claret, sliced oranges, and … sugar.
2. To treat with confections or sweetmeats. rare.
1882. J. Parker, Apost. Life (1884), III. 137. We do not come to the throne of God to be hugged and comforted and confectioned.
ǁ 3. To make up (an article of attire). [Gallicism, after F. confectionner.]
1876. Miss Braddon, J. Haggard’s Dau., I. viii. 258. Naomi made her own dresses and occasionally confectioned some decorative article for Judith.
1880. Mrs. Forrester, Roy & V., II. 153. Confectioning a piece of fine point lace.
Hence Confectioned ppl. a.; Confectioning vbl. sb. and ppl. a.
1576. Newton, Lemnie’s Complex. (1633), 148. Some confectioned oyntments.
1650. H. Brooke, Conserv. Health, 1148. Confectioning, simpling, or an acquisition of the knowledge of Herbs or Drugs.
