balm Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun any of various aromatic resinous substances used for healing and soothing
noun semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation
unction; ointment; salve; unguent.

OE. baume, OF. bausme, basme, F. baume, L. balsamum balsam, from Gr. ; perhaps of Semitic origin; cf. Heb. basam. Cf. Balsam.

(Bot.) An aromatic plant of the genus Melissa.
The resinous and aromatic exudation of certain trees or shrubs. Dryden.
Any fragrant ointment. Shak.
Anything that heals or that mitigates pain. "Balm for each ill." Mrs. Hemans.

To anoint with balm, or with anything medicinal. Hence: To soothe; to mitigate. Archaic Shak.