ˈnästrəm sometimes ˈnȯs- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin, neuter of noster our, ours, from nos we — more at us
1. : a remedy or medicine of secret composition recommended by its preparer but usually lacking general repute or acceptance : a dubious specific
remedies which can have no possible value as medicine, as in the case of a nostrum offered for the treatment of diabetes at $12 a pint — Encyc. Americana
2. : a questionable remedy or scheme : cure-all , panacea
have never been able to believe wholeheartedly in any simple nostrum by which all ills are to be cured — Bertrand Russell
identify this spiritually impotent but socially powerful nostrum with Christianity — H.N.Fairchild