[f. prec. sb., after med.L. antidotā-re, and Fr. antidoter (Cotgr., 1611).]
† 1. trans. To furnish with an antidote; fortify against poison (a man or his system). Also fig. Obs.
1630. J. Taylor (Water P.), Wks., III. 98/1. She’s antidoted, well perfum’d and painted.
1655. Gurnall, Chr. in Arm., ix. (1669), 94/2. Be … careful to antidote thy Soul against receiving infection.
a. 1703. Burkitt, On N. T., Matt. x. 31. To antidote our spirits against all distrustful fears.
2. To apply an antidote to, counteract (a poison, etc.). Also fig.
1661. Burney, Κέρδ. Δῶρον, 45. As the dearest Father, he has compassion to antidote extreams.
1742. Richardson, Pamela, III. 238. Incapable of antidoting the Poison he has spread.
1869. H. Ussher, in Eng. Mech., 3 Dec., 271/1. Opium or belladonna taken internally antidote each other.
