Word Study
scammony
CIDE DICTIONARY
scammony, n. [F. scammonée, L. scammonia, scammonea, Gr. skammwni`a.].
- A species of bindweed or Convolvulus (
C. Scammonia ). [1913 Webster] - An inspissated sap obtained from the root of the
Convolvulus Scammonia , of a blackish gray color, a nauseous smell like that of old cheese, and a somewhat acrid taste. It is used in medicine as a cathartic. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
scammony, n. (pl. -ies) an Asian plant, Convolvulus scammonia, bearing white or pink flowers, the dried roots of which are used as a purgative.
Etymology
ME f. OF scamonee, escamonie or L scammonia f. Gk skammonia
For further exploring for "scammony" in Webster Dictionary Online