trea·cle / ˈtrēkəl/ • n. British term for molasses. ∎ fig. cloying sentimentality or flattery: enough of this treacle—let's get back to business.DERIVATIVES: trea·cly / ˈtrēk(ə)lē/ adj.

treacle originally (in Middle English) any of various medicinal salves formerly used as antidotes to poisons or venomous bites; the word comes via Old French and Latin from Greek thēriakē ‘antidote against venom’, ultimately from thērion ‘wild beast’. The current sense of uncrystallized syrup dates from the late 17th century.
Treacle Bible another name for the Bishops' Bible, in which Jeremiah 8:22 reads ‘Is there no tryacle in Gilead?’ where the Authorized Version has ‘balm’.

treacle First product of refining of molasses from beet or sugar cane extract is black treacle, slightly less bitter; will not crystallize. A 25‐g portion is a source of calcium and iron; supplies 65 kcal (270 kJ).

treacle †salve regarded as an antidote to venomous bites, etc. XIV; †in names of plants of reputed medicinal value XV; †sovereign remedy XVI; uncrystallized syrup produced in refining sugar XVII. ME. triacle — OF. :- L. thēriaca — Gr. thēriaké, sb. use of fem. of adj. f. thērion wild beast, venomous animal, dim. of thér wild beast.