Med. Obs. rare. [as if ad. Gr. *ἔμπασμα, regularly f. ἐμπάσσειν to sprinkle on.]
1. ‘A perfumed powder to be sprinkled on the body to restrain sweating or to destroy its smell’ (Syd. Soc. Lex.).
1657. Tomlinson, Renou’s Disp., 201. The less affinity falling the denominations of Empasm and Diapasm.
1775. in Ash.
1847. in Craig; and in mod. Dicts.
2. (See quot.)
1657. Phys. Dict., Empasms, medicinal pouders used to allay inflamations, and to scarifie the extremity of the skin.
1678. in Phillips.
1721–1800. in Bailey.
