Also 7–9 em-, imbalment, (7 embaulment). [f. EMBALM v. + -MENT.]
1. Impregnation of a corpse with aromatic spices, to prevent putrefaction.
1661. Morgan, Sph. Gentry, III. viii. 81. The Egyptians were doctors in imbalment.
1819. Southey, in Q. Rev., XXI. 376. The Abazas … have a strange way of procuring a natural embalment for their beys.
1864. Carlyle, Fredk. Gt., IV. 259. An odour of embalmment.
2. A preparation used for embalming.
1620. Jrnl. of Pilgrims (1848), 38. The red powder was a kind of Embaulment.
1658. Sir T. Browne, Hydriot., i. 8. The Ægyptians … by precious Embalments … contrived the notablest wayes of integrall conservation.
1832. Blackw. Mag., XXXII. 966. The people … have … torn away the embalments of the Idol Mummy.
fig. 1834. Fraser’s Mag., X. 40. The art of clear and strong language … has, like an embalmment, preserved the memory of Denham.
