a. [f. THERIAC + -AL. Cf. F. thériacal (15th c. in Godef., Compl.).] Pertaining to or of the nature of theriac; antidotal.
1603. Holland, Plutarch’s Mor., 703. Who confound and mixe together minerals, herbs, theriacall trochists, made of the parts of venemous serpents, for the composition of their treacles. Ibid., Explan. Words, Theriacal Trochisks, Trosches made of vipers flesh.
1607. Topsell, Four-f. Beasts (1658), 215. The heart of a Hair hath in it a theriacal virtue also.
1756–7. trans. Keysler’s Trav. (1760), II. 131. To carry a spunge moistened with spirits of wine and a theriacal vinegar, and often to smell to it.
1857. [see prec. B].
Hence † Theriacality, theriacal quality. rare–1.
1657. Tomlinson, Renou’s Disp., 331. Mesucus uses it in the Electuary … because there is some theriacality in it.
