Phys″ic (?), n. [OE. phisike, fisike, OF. phisique, F. physique knowledge of nature, physics, L. physica, physice, fr. Gr. �, fr. φυσικόσ natural, from φύσισ nature, fr. � to produce, grow, akin to E. be. See Be, and cf. Physics, Physique.] 1. The art of healing diseases; the science of medicine; the theory or practice of medicine. “A doctor of physik.” Chaucer.
2. A specific internal application for the cure or relief of sickness; a remedy for disease; a medicine.
3. Specifically, a medicine that purges; a cathartic.
4. A physician. Shak.
Physic nut(Bot.), a small tropical American euphorbiaceous tree (Jatropha Curcas), and its seeds, which are well flavored, but contain a drastic oil which renders them dangerous if eaten in large quantities.