fasting spittle

English

Noun

fasting spittle (uncountable)

  1. Saliva produced first thing in the morning, before breakfast, once believed to be useful in treating diseases.
    • 1891 July, Fanny D. Bergen, “Animal and Plant Lore”, in Popular Science, page 377:
      Dr. Buck reports that the Swabians also believe in the efficacy of fasting spittle for sore eyes; and our never-failing Pliny records the Roman belief that ophthalmia may be cured by anointing the eyes every morning with fasting spittle.
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