† mochlicadj.n.

Etymology: As adjective < post-classical Latin mochlicus relating to reduction of a dislocated bone (1632 or earlier in work titles) < ancient Greek μοχλικός relating to the use of levers (only recorded in form μοχλικόν , neuter, used as noun, especially in the title of Hippocrates' treatise on setting dislocated joints) < μοχλός lever (cognate with μόγος toil: see mogi- comb. form) + -ικός -ic suffix. As noun < post-classical Latin mochlica (see quot. 1753 at sense B.), use as noun of feminine of mochlicus strongly purgative (1608): in this sense apparently alluding to the strength of the substance's effect. Compare French †mochlique, 1844 as title of the work by Hippocrates, 1868 in Littré in sense ‘a purgative’ (1800 or earlier as adjective in sense ‘purgative’). Compare also post-classical Latin mochlia reduction of dislocation (from 1626 or earlier in medical sources) < ancient Greek μοχλία, μοχλεία.