noun
- Plural of camphire; an archaic or poetic term for camphor, a white crystalline substance obtained from the camphor tree, used in medicine and perfumes.
Usage: archaic; poetic; chiefly historical
Examples
- The ancient texts mention camphires as a valuable trade commodity.
- Medieval apothecaries stored camphires in sealed vessels to preserve their potency.
- In old poetry, camphires were celebrated for their aromatic and medicinal properties.
- The merchant's inventory listed several pounds of camphires imported from the East.