† A. adj. Bright to the eye, clear. Obs. rare–1.
1607. Lingua, II. v. in Hazl., Dodsley, IX. 381. The shooting stars, which in an eye-bright evening seem to fall.
B. sb. 1. The popular name of the plant Euphrasia officinalis, formerly in repute as a remedy for weak eyes; = EUPHRASY.
1533. Elyot, Cast. Helthe (1541), 11 b. Thynges good for the eyes: Eyebryght: Fenell.
1585. Lloyd, Treas. Health, xii. E vij. Take of the wood of Aloes, of eybright [etc.].
1612. Drayton, Poly-olb., xiii. 217. He Fumitorie gets, and Eye-bright for the eye.
1671. Salmon, Syn. Med., III. xxii. 399. Eye bright … strengthens the head, eyes and memory, clears the sight.
1718. Quincy, Compl. Disp., 79. Eyebright flowers in June.
1758. Mrs. Delany, Life & Corr., III. 507. The purple vetch and eyebright soften the golden furs and glowing heath.
1848. C. A. Johns, Week at Lizard, 271. We find … eye-bright with thick fleshy leaves.
1883. R. Turner, in Gd. Words, Dec., 790/2. The pretty little Eyebright … had at one time a great reputation as an eye-clearer.
b. attrib. Prepared from euphrasy. Also in names of other plants or medicaments used as remedies for weak sight.
1597. Gerard, Herbal, I. lxii. § 3. 85. Eiebright Cow wheate.
1616. Surfl. & Markh., Countrey Farme, 43. Drinke euerie morning a small draught of Eye-bright wine.
1648. Hunting of Fox, 39. The Eye-bright water of Repentance.
1656. Ridgley, Pract. Physick, 118. Ey-bright oyl made of the flowers of Succory.
1747. Wesley, Prim. Physick (1762), 60. Use Eye bright Tea daily.
1884. Miller, Plant-n., Eye-bright Cow-wheat. The genus Bartsia.
† 2. ? ‘A kind of ale in Elizabeth’s time’ (Latham). Obs.
1610. B. Jonson, Alch., V. ii. (1612), L 2 b. Men and Women … [have] beene seene to flock here … In dayes of Pimlico and Eye-bright.
