absterse

Definition

To absterge; to cleanse; to purge away.

Etymology

From Middle English absterse, from Latin abstersus, perfect passive participle of abstergeō (“wipe off, wipe away”); formed from abs- + tergeō (“wipe”).

Example Sentences

• "[…] nor will we affirme that Iron ingeſted, receiveth in the ſtomack of the Oeſtridge no alteration whatſoever; but if any ſuch there be, we ſuſpect this effect rather from ſome way of corroſion, then any of digeſtion; not any liquid reduction or tendance to chilification by the power of naturall heate, but rather ſome attrition from an acide and vitriolous humidity in the ſtomack, which may abſterſe, and ſhave the ſcorious parts thereof; […]"