laudanum

Definition

Any of several tinctures of opium, once widely used for various medical purposes and as a recreational drug.

Etymology

From New Latin, from lādanum (“a gum resin”), from Ancient Greek λᾱ́δανον (lā́danon). Originally the same word as ladanum, labdanum, compare French laudanum, Italian laudano, ladano. Perhaps influenced by Latin laudō (“to praise”). See ladanum. Used by Paracelsus to refer to ladanum gum, and to a compound recipe containing pearls, but apparently not to any preparation of opium; this modern sense was introduced by his followers (Sigerist 1941:540–1).

Example Sentences

• "Ever since my recovery from the fever I had been in the custom of taking every night a small quantity of laudanum; for it was by means of this drug only that I was enabled to gain the rest necessary for the preservation of life."
• "Whatever else was wanting to a wise man's happiness, —of laudanum I would have given him as much as he wished, and in a golden cup."
• "Whipping and abuse are like laudanum; you have to double the dose as the sensibilities decline."