pledget

American  

[plej-it] / ˈplɛdʒ ɪt /

noun

1. a small, flat mass of lint, absorbent cotton, or the like, for use on a wound, sore, etc.

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pledget British  

/ ˈplɛdʒɪt /

noun

1. a small flattened pad of wool, cotton, etc, esp for use as a pressure bandage to be applied to wounds or sores

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Etymology

Origin of pledget

First recorded in 1530–40; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

Then she bound over the wound the soft pledget of old linen she had brought, and tied round his head a cotton rag to hold the dressing in place.

From The Leatherwood God by Howells, William Dean

In the lower angle of the wound a pledget of lint for drainage purposes was inlaid.

From Old-Time Makers of Medicine The Story of The Students And Teachers of the Sciences Related to Medicine During the Middle Ages by Walsh, James Joseph

After discharge of the pus, the cavity remaining should be mopped out with an antiseptic solution, and a pledget of antiseptic tow or other material left in position.

From Diseases of the Horse's Foot by Reeks, Harry Caulton

TOOTHACHE.—When there is a cavity in an aching tooth it should be cleaned of food, and a little pledget of cotton wool wrapped on a toothpick may be used to wipe the cavity dry.

From The Home Medical Library, Volume II (of VI) by Winslow, Kenelm

If the liquid caustics are employed, they may be introduced into the depth of the wound by means of a pipette, a piece of porous wood, or a pledget of tow.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various