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.