Treacle [tree-kʹl]

properly means an antidote against the bite of wild beasts (Greek, theʹriaka [pharmăka], from thēr a wild beast). The ancients gave the name to several sorts of antidotes, but ultimately it was applied chiefly to Venice treacle (theʹriaca androchi), a compound of some sixty-four drugs in honey.

⁂ Sir Thomas More speaks of “a most strong treacle (i.e. antidote) against these venomous heresies.” And in an old version of Jeremiah viii. 22, “balm” is translated treacle—“Is there no treacle at Gilead? Is there no phisitian there?”

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.