Med. Also 6–7 epitheme, 6 epythyme, 7 epithyme). [ad. Gr. ἐπίθεμα, f. ἐπιτιθέναι, f. ἐπί upon + τιθέναι to place.] ‘Any kind of moist, or soft, external application’ (Syd. Soc. Lex.).
1559. Morwyng, Evomym., 37. They make no epithem or outward medicine at this day, but they put roosewater in it.
c. 1570. Thynne, Pride & Lowl. (1841), 81. Here is described an Epythyme [4 syll.]; Warm it and lappe it close unto thy brest.
1621. Burton, Anat. Mel., II. v. I. v. Bruel prescribes an Epitheme for the heart of Buglosse, Borage [etc.].
1651. Davenant, Gondibert, II. II. lxx. 132. With Cordial Epithems they bath’d her breast.
1816. L. Towne, Farmer & Grazier’s Guide, 19. Rub the Epithem thoroughly on the Part.
1863. Reade, Very Hard Cash, in All Y. Round, 11 July, 458/1. The treatment hitherto has been hot epithems to the abdomen.
