treacle

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   British term for molasses; cloying sentimentality

   She drizzled treacle over the warm sponge pudding.

From Middle English triacle ('antidote, remedy'), from Old French triacle, from Latin theriaca, from Ancient Greek theriake ('antidote against venom'), from therion ('wild beast, venomous animal'); the sense shifted via medicinal syrup to its modern 'molasses' meaning.

Topics