Spanish fly

American  

noun

1. Also called cantharides.  a preparation of powdered blister beetles, especially the Spanish fly, used medicinally as a counterirritant, diuretic, and aphrodisiac.

2. Also called cantharis.  Also Spanishfly a common European blister beetle, Cantharis (Lytta ) vesicatoria, that yields this preparation.

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Spanish fly British  

noun

1. a European blister beetle, Lytta vesicatoria (family Meloidae ), the dried bodies of which yield the pharmaceutical product cantharides

2. another name for cantharides

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Etymology

Origin of Spanish fly

First recorded in 1400–50; so called from the fact that the beetles are found in abundance in Spain

Example Sentences

The Spanish fly is also occasionally found in the south of England.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 2 "Camorra" to "Cape Colony" by Various

Crabs-claws, Spanish fly, and dragon roots, given three mornings before the new or full moon, was suggested as a specific by Sir Robert Gordon.

From Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine by Pyle, Walter L. (Walter Lytle)

Next fierce LIEBRIECH, quite a savage, has declared that we shall die Shattered and exacerbated by attacks of Spanish fly.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 100, March 21, 1891 by Various

The web of these tarantulas each day Increases, till you shall make common cause: None, save the Spanish fly and Attic bee, As yet are strongly stinging to be free.

From Don Juan by Byron, George Gordon Byron, Baron

The tendency to the formation of the bony growth, and the increase of its development after its actual formation, may often be checked by the application of a severe blister of Spanish fly.

From Special Report on Diseases of the Horse by Michener, Charles B.