a. and sb. rare. [ad. L. torpēnt-em, pr. pple. of torpēre to be torpid.] a. adj. TORPID a. b. sb. Med. See quots.
1647. H. More, Song of Soul, Notes 342. Let anon an universall soul flow into this torpent masse.
1699. Evelyn, Acetaria (1729), 126. Cresses quicken the torpent Spirits, and purge the Brain.
1882. Ogilvie (Annandale), Torpent, n., a medicine that diminishes the exertion of the irritative motions.
1899. Syd. Soc. Lex., Torpent, incapable of the active performance of a function. A medicine or agent that reduces or subdues any irritative action.