treacle🔊

(chiefly UK, Ireland) A syrupy byproduct of sugar refining; molasses or golden syrup.

Cloying sentimental speech.

(Cockney rhyming slang) Sweetheart.

(historical, pharmacology) An antidote for poison, especially snakebite; a supposedly universal antidote. +

(obsolete, figurative, by extension) An all-powerful curative for some particular affliction. +

(obsolete, figurative, by extension) A panacea for all human ailments. +

To apply treacle to a surface, so as to catch flies or moths, etc.