“Plaister” was a common older spelling of plaster in English, used for a healing substance spread on cloth or directly onto the body to protect or treat an injury. In eighteenth-century writing, it could refer to a medicinal dressing, often sticky or ointment-like, rather than the building material now most readily associated with plaster. The word may also carry unflattering connotations when a poem emphasizes bodily decay, illness, or artificial attempts to conceal damage.

Modern spelling: plaster. Historical usage: In older medical language, a plaister could be a salve, poultice-like preparation, or medicated adhesive spread on fabric. Not always medical: “Plaister” could also refer to plaster used in construction or to a cosmetic coating, depending on context. In Swift’s poem, however, its connection with “running Sores” makes the medical meaning clear. Related terms: salve, ointment, poultice, bandage, and dressing. A plaister is especially associated with something applied and left upon the skin. Etymology: The word ultimately comes from Greek emplastron, meaning a healing application or medicinal plaster, passing through Latin and French into English.