The Collaborative International Dictionary
Pledget \Pledg"et\, n. [Prov. E., a small plug.]
A small plug. [Prov. End.]
(Naut.) A string of oakum used in calking.
(Med.) A compress, or small flat tent of lint, laid over a wound, ulcer, or the like, to exclude air, retain dressings, or absorb the matter discharged.
Wiktionary
n. 1 (context medical English) A small flat absorbent pad of cotton or wool, used to medicate, drain, or protect a wound or sore. 2 A string of oakum used in calking.
Usage examples of "pledget".
Where the small points of engorged vessels are to be readily reached, use a solution of the Tincture of Chloride of Iron, one part in four of water, applying with a small pledget of soft cotton wrapped about, or fastened to, the end of a pencil or stick.
Handsomely with the retractor, M’Alister: a couple of pledgets, and you may begin to sew.
Handsomely with the retractor, M'Alister: a couple of pledgets, and you may begin to sew.