(n) :
the archaic practice of treating illness by removing some blood, believed to be tainted, from the stricken person; by extension, the diminishment of any resource with the hope that this will lead to a positive effect
(n) :
the archaic practice of treating illness by removing some blood, believed to be tainted, from the stricken person; by extension, the diminishment of any resource with the hope that this will lead to a positive effect