Medicine, laxative or loosening 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, excrement.

Ecdici, Ecdici, 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.