ANGELICA

ANGELICA, called also ARCHANGELICA, and Radix Angelica, a medicinal Plant, thus named, on account of its great Virtue as an Alexipharmic or Counterpoison. See ALEXIPHARMIC. It is of a sweet Smell, and aromatic Taste; and is loaded with a highly exalted Oil, and volatile Salt.—It is reputed cordial, stomachic, cephalic, aperitive, sudorific, vulnerary, resists Poison, &c. though the chief Intention wherein it is now prescribed among us, is, as a Carminative.
Its Root is in the most esteem; though the Leaves are also used.
Angelica-Water, is one of the compound Waters of the Shops; thus called from the Angelica Roots; which are the Basis thereof. See ANGELICA-WATER. Angelica, Asteism, was also a celebrated Dance, among the ancient Greeks, performed at their Feasts. See DANCE.
It was thus called, from the Greek ἄγγελος, Angelos, Messenger; by reason, as Pollux assures us, the Dancers were dressed in the Habit of Messengers. Angelica Vestis, among our Ancestors, was a Monkish Garment, which Laymen put on a little before their Death, that they might have the Benefit of the Prayers of the Monks.
It was from them called Angelical, because they were called Angeli, who by these Prayers animae saluti succurrebant.
—Hence, where we read the Phrase ad succurrendum in our old Books, it must be understood of one who had put on the Habit, and was at the Point of Death.
ANGELICI, were an ancient Order of Knights, instituted in 1191, by Isaac Angelus Flavius Comnenus, Emperor of Constantinople. See KNIGHT, and ORDER. They were divided into three Classes; but were all under the Direction of one Grand Master.—The first, were called Torquati, from a Collar which they wore, and were 50 in number.—The second were called the Knights of Justice, and were Ecclesiastics—And the thirdwere called Knights Servitors. Justinian will have this Order to have been instituted in the Year 313, by Constantine; and supposes the Occasion thereof to have been the Appearance of an Angel to that Emperor, with the Sign of a Cross and these Words, "In hoc signo vinces": But, that there was such a thing as any Military Order in these Days, is a mere Fable. See MILITARY ORDER.

ANGELICA