Phys"ic (?), n. [OE. phisike, fisike, OF. phisique, F. physique knowledge of nature, physics, L. physica, physice, fr. Gr. , fr. natural, from nature, fr. to produce, grow, akin to E. be. See Be, and cf. Physics, Physique.]
1.
The art of healing diseases; the science of medicine; the theory or practice of medicine.
<-- obsolete -- superseded by medicine --> "A doctor of
physik."
Chaucer.
2.
A specific internal application for the cure or relief of sickness; a remedy for disease; a medicine.
3.
Specifically, a medicine that purges; a cathartic.
4.
A physician.
[R.]
Shak.
Physic nut Bot., a small tropical American euphorbiaceous tree (Jatropha Curcas), and its seeds, which are well flavored, but contain a drastic oil which renders them dangerous if eaten in large quantities.
© Webster 1913.
Phys"ic (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Physiced (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Physicking (?).]
1.
To treat with physic or medicine; to administer medicine to, esp. a cathartic; to operate on as a cathartic; to purge.
2.
To work on as a remedy; to heal; to cure.
The labor we delight in physics pain.
Shak.
A mind diseased no remedy can physic.
Byron.
© Webster 1913.