ratsbane

American  

[rats-beyn] / ˈrætsˌbeɪn /

noun

1. rat poison.

2. the trioxide of arsenic.

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ratsbane British  

/ ˈrætsˌbeɪn /

noun

1. rat poison, esp arsenic oxide

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Etymology

Origin of ratsbane

First recorded in 1515–25; rat + 's ¹ + bane

Example Sentences

For my own part, I would as lief they would put ratsbane in my mouth as the ‘excellency’ with which I am daily crammed.

From Patrick Henry by Tyler, Moses Coit

I     had as lief they would put ratsbane in my mouth as offer to stop     it with security.

From The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by Shakespeare, William

They are hyphenated unless very common, in which case they are closed up; crane’s-bill, ratsbane.

From Compound Words Typographic Technical Series for Apprentices #36 by Hamilton, Frederick W. (Frederick William)

You want a patent or a privilege for your ratsbane?

From The Twilight of the Gods, and Other Tales by Garnett, Richard

Before him sat the grim baron, with a face worthy of the father of such a daughter, and looking daggers and ratsbane.

From Abbotsford and Newstead Abbey by Irving, Washington