apocryphal book, generally bound up with the Scriptures; so called, from its being read in the church, ecclesia, as a book of piety and instruction, but not of infallible authority.

The author of this book was a Jew, called Jesus the son of Sirach. The Greeks call it the Wisdom of the son of Sirach.

Eccoptics, in Medicine, laxative or loofening remedies, which purge gently, by softening the humours and excrements, and fitting them for expulsion.—The word is composed of the Greek particle εκ, and κοπτειν, excriment.

Ecdici, ecdicii, among the ancients, patrons of cities, who defended their rights, and took care of the public money. Their office resembled that of the modern syndics.