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Webster 1913 Edition

Noun.

[Prov. E., a small plug.]

A small plug.

[Prov. End.]

(Naut.)

A string of oakum used in calking.

(Med.)

A compress, or small flat tent of lint, laid over a wound, ulcer, or the like, to exclude air, retain dressings, or absorb the matter discharged.

Noun.

[from folding or laying.] In surgery, a compress or small flat tent of lint, laid over a wound to imbibe the matter discharged and keep it clean.

pledget ‎(plural pledgets)

(medicine) A small flat absorbent pad of cotton or wool, used to medicate, drain, or protect a wound or sore.
A string of oakum used in calking.