a. and sb. Obs. [ad. L. excipient-em, pr. pple. of excipĕre to take out, except, take up, receive, f. ex- out + capĕre to take.]
A. adj. That takes exception; objecting.
1726. Ayliffe, Parergon, 252. The Persons pronouncing it [Excommunication], ought to be set forth in the Pleading by the Party Excipient within eight Days.
B. sb. 1. One who takes up or receives in succession. rare.
1852. Tait’s Mag., XIX. 605. That excipient of avuncular traditions first quotes from the reply made by Napoleon.
2. (See quot. 1753.)
1753. Chambers, Cycl. Supp., Excipient … a term used to express that ingredient in a compound medicine, the business of which is to receive all the rest; such is the conserve in electuaries, the syrup in bolusses, &c.
1831. J. Davies, Manual Mat. Med., 25. The excipient serves as a vehicle.
1890. Nation (N.Y.), 10 April, 287/2. Its [sugar of milk’s] sole use … as an excipient in such medicines as lacto-peptine, pepsine, etc.
3. The material or surface that receives the pigments in painting.
1855. trans. Labarte’s Arts Mid. Ages, iv. 101. Enamel applied to painting on a metallic excipient.
