Path. Also 4–5 aschytes. [L., a. Gr. ἀσκίτης (sc. ὕδρωψ dropsy), f. ἀσκός bag.] A collection of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity; dropsy of the abdomen.
1398. Trevisa, Barth. De P. R., VII. lii. (1495), 266. One manere dropesye hyghte Aschytes, for yf the wombes ben smyten they sowne as a flackette, other a botell.
1657. Phys. Dict., Ascites is a swelling of the belly caused of a serous matter.
1748. Smollett, Rod. Rand., xxvii. (1804), 183. Loaded with a monstrous ascites or dropsy.
1839. in Todd, Cycl. Anat.
