Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Balm?

\Balm\, n. [OE. baume, OF. bausme, basme, F. baume, L. balsamum balsam, from Gr. ?; perhaps of Semitic origin; cf. Heb. b[=a]s[=a]m. Cf. {Balsam}.] 1. (Bot.) An aromatic plant of the genus {Melissa}. 2. The resinous and aromatic exudation of certain trees or shrubs. --Dryden. 3. Any fragrant ointment. --Shak. 4. Anything that heals or that mitigates pain. ``Balm for each ill.'' --Mrs. Hemans. {Balm cricket} (Zo["o]l.), the European cicada. --Tennyson. {Balm of Gilead} (Bot.), a small evergreen African and Asiatic tree of the terebinthine family ({Balsamodendron Gileadense}). Its leaves yield, when bruised, a strong aromatic scent; and from this tree is obtained the balm of Gilead of the shops, or balsam of Mecca. This has a yellowish or greenish color, a warm, bitterish, aromatic taste, and a fragrant smell. It is valued as an unguent and cosmetic by the Turks. The fragrant herb {Dracocephalum Canariense} is familiarly called balm of Gilead, and so are the American trees, {Populus balsamifera}, variety candicans (balsam poplar), and {Abies balsamea} (balsam fir).
\Balm\, v. i. To anoint with balm, or with anything medicinal. Hence: To soothe; to mitigate. [Archaic] --Shak.