Noah Webster
Opiate
O'PIATE, noun [from opium.]
1. Primarily, a medicine of a thicker consistence than syrup, prepared with opium.
A soft electuary.
Electuaries when soft are call opiata.
But in modern usage generally,
2. Any medicine that has the quality of inducing sleep or repose; a narcotic.
3. That which induces rest or inaction; that which quiets uneasiness.
They chose atheism as an opiate
O'PIATE, adjective
1. Inducing sleep; soporiferous; somniferous; narcotic.
2. Causing rest or inaction.