What is "embrocate"

Embrocate \Em"bro*cate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Embrocated; p. pr. & vb. n. Embrocating.] [NL. embrocatus, p. p. of embrocare; cf. Gr. ? lotion, fomentation, fr. ? to foment; ? in + ? to wet.] (Med.) To moisten and rub (a diseased part) with a liquid substance, as with spirit, oil, etc., by means of a cloth or sponge.

1610s, from Medieval Latin embrocatus, past participle of embrocare, from Late Latin embrocha, from Greek embrokhe "lotion, fomentation," from embrekhein "to soak in, foment," from assimilated form of en (see en- (2)) + brekhein "to water, wet, rain, send rain," related to brokhe "rain," from PIE root *mergh- "to wet, sprinkle, rain." Related: Embrocated; embrocating; embrocation (early 15c.).

vb. (context medicine transitive English) To moisten and rub (a diseased part) with a liquid substance, as with spirit, oil, etc., by means of a cloth or sponge.

v. administer an oil or ointment to ; often in a religious ceremony of blessing [syn: anoint, inunct, oil, anele]