Obs. [as if ad. L. *excrētiōn-em, n. of action f. excrēscĕre to grow out or forth, f. ex- out + crēscĕre to grow.] a. The action of growing out or forth. b. concr. Anything that grows out (whether naturally or abnormally) in animals or plants; = EXCREMENT2, EXCRESCENCE. Also fig.

1

1612–5.  Bp. Hall, Contempl., O. T., X. v. Wks. (1625), 937. He [Samson] had ceased to be a Nazarite … not for the want of that excretion [his hair].

2

1627–77.  Feltham, Resolves, II. xlv. 247. The excretions of the Body grow but insensibly.

3

1633.  T. Adams, Exp. 2 Peter i. 16. 290. From her … shave and pare off … those superfluous excretions of sinne.

4

1725.  Bradley, Fam. Dict., s.v. Splint, The Cure of all Splints and boney Excretions.

5