FOMENT Fo*ment", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fomented; p. pr. & vb. n. Fomenting.] Etym: [F. fomenter, fr. L. fomentare, fr. fomentum (for fovimentum) a warm application or lotion, fr. fovere to warm or keep warm; perh. akin to Gr. bake.]
1. To apply a warm lotion to; to bathe with a cloth or sponge wet with warm water or medicated liquid.
2. To cherish with heat; to foster. [Obs.] Which these soft fires . . . foment and warm. Milton.
3. To nurse to life or activity; to cherish and promote by excitements; to encourage; to abet; to instigate; — used often in a bad sense; as, to foment ill humors. Locke. But quench the choler you foment in vain. Dryden. Exciting and fomenting a religious rebellion. Southey.
FOMENTATION
Fo`men*ta"tion, n. [fomentatio: cf. F. fomentation.]
1. (Med.) (a) The act of fomenting; the application of warm, soft, medicinal substances, as for the purpose of easing pain, by relaxing the skin, or of discussing tumors. (b) The lotion applied to a diseased part.
2. Excitation; instigation; encouragement. Dishonest fomentation of your pride. Young.
FOMENTER
Fo*ment"er, n.
Defn: One who foments; one who encourages or instigates; as, a fomenter of sedition.
FOMES
Fo"mes, n.; pl. Fomites. Etym: [L. fomes, -itis, touch-wood, tinder.]
(Med.)