BE′ZOAR

(-zōre). [Eng., L. indecl.; prim. Pers. [170] ] Syn. Be′zoar-stone ; Bezoär′dus , La′pis bezoär′dicus , ., L.; Bézoar , Bézoard , Fr.; Bezoar stein , Ger. The name of preternatural concretions found in the stomach, intestines, ., of certain animals, and formerly supposed to po e the most extraordinary antidotal power and medicinal virtues. So far, indeed, did this belief extend, that other substances regarded as antidotes were called BEZOAR′DICS† , or otherwise named after them; whilst the adj. BEZOAR′DIC† (bĕz-) and BEZOAR′TICAL† (bézoardique, Fr.; bezoar′dicus, L.), came to be synonymous with antidotal. Certain bezoars were once valued at even ten times their weight in gold. They were not only taken internally, but also worn as amulets. They have, however, long since fallen into disuse in this country. [170] Some authorities derive this word from badzahr or pazahar , Persian compounds implying ‘antidote to poison,’ others, from paseng , or pasahr , the name of the goat in Persia. Mayne’s notation— bez oar , is unusual; and several of his analogues, synonymes, ., are incorrectly given (? misprinted). Among the leading bezoars of old medicine are—