DRUG (3)

Drug, n. [[F. drogue, prob. fr. D. droog; akin to E. dry; thus orig., dry substance, hers, plants, or wares. See Dry.]] 1. 1. Any animal, vegetable, or mineral substance used in the composition of medicines; any stuff used in dyeing or in chemical operations.
Whence merchants bring Their spicy drugs. Milton. 2. 2. Any commodity that lies on hand, or is not salable; an article of slow sale, or in no demand. “But sermons are mere drugs.” Fielding.
And virtue shall a drug become. Dryden.