balm

UK /bɑːm/ US /bɑm/
noun 5verb 2

Definitions

noun

1

Any of various aromatic resins exuded from certain plants, especially trees of the genus Commiphora of Africa, Arabia and India and Myroxylon of South America.

2

An aromatic preparation for embalming the dead.

3

A plant or tree yielding such substance.

4

Any soothing oil or lotion, especially an aromatic one.

5

Something soothing.

Classical music is a sweet balm for our sorrows.

BEAT on, proud billows; Boreas blow; / Swell, curled waves, high as Jove's roof; / Your incivility doth ſhow, / That innocence is tempeſt proof; / Though ſurly Nereus frown, my thoughts are calm; / Then ſtrike, Affliction, for thy wounds are balm. [Attributed to Roger L'Estrange (1616–1704).]

verb

1

To anoint with balm, or with anything medicinal.

Shrouded in cloth of state, balmed and entreasured / With full bags of spices!

2

To soothe; to mitigate.

This rest might yet have balmed thy broken sinews

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