Freckle

[Dan. fregne; Ger. fleck, a spot, a discoloration.] ( Med.) A cutaneous affection of the countenance to which persons of a florid complexion are greatly subject, especially females with auburn hair. Freckles are small yellow spots that break out over the face in the hot period of summer, and by their number give a stained and unpleasant appearance to the countenance. A still more obstinate form of freckles appears in the winter, often proceeding from a disordered state of the stomach. Various applications have been proposed for their removal; and perhaps the best is a liniment composed of lime-water and oil, with the addition of a little ammonia. The Irish peasantry are in the habit of washing their faces with buttermilk as a cosmetic, and with great succe . An excellent wash for freckles is also made by scraping some horse-radish very fine, and letting it stand for some hours in buttermilk, then straining, and using the wash night and morning. -The name is also commonly applied to any small spot or discoloration. -v. a. To spot or cover with freckles. -v. n. To acquire freckles; to be spotted.