treacle

views updated May 18 2018

trea·cle / ˈtrēkəl/ • n. British term for molasses. ∎ fig. cloying sentimentality or flattery: enough of this treacle—let's get back to business.DERIVATIVES: trea·cly / ˈtrēk(ə)lē/ adj.

treacle

views updated Jun 27 2018

treacle originally (in Middle English) any of various medicinal salves formerly used as antidotes to poisons or venomous bites; the word comes via Old French and Latin from Greek thēriakē ‘antidote against venom’, ultimately from thērion ‘wild beast’. The current sense of uncrystallized syrup dates from the late 17th century.
Treacle Bible another name for the Bishops' Bible, in which Jeremiah 8:22 reads ‘Is there no tryacle in Gilead?’ where the Authorized Version has ‘balm’.

treacle

views updated May 17 2018

treacle First product of refining of molasses from beet or sugar cane extract is black treacle, slightly less bitter; will not crystallize. A 25‐g portion is a source of calcium and iron; supplies 65 kcal (270 kJ).

treacle

views updated Jun 27 2018

treacle †salve regarded as an antidote to venomous bites, etc. XIV; †in names of plants of reputed medicinal value XV; †sovereign remedy XVI; uncrystallized syrup produced in refining sugar XVII. ME. triacle — OF. :- L. thēriaca — Gr. thēriaké, sb. use of fem. of adj. f. thērion wild beast, venomous animal, dim. of thér wild beast.