Sardonic Smile is a term applied by the older medical writers to a convulsive affection of the muscles of the face, somewhat resembling laughter. It may occur in tetanus or lock-jaw, and other convulsive affections, or may result from the action of certain vegetable poisons. The name is said to be from a ranunculus termed Herba sardonica, a Sardinian plant; but is probably from the root sar, 'to grin' (Gr. saircin).
Sardonic Smile
Chambers's Encyclopaedia, Volume 9: Bound to Swansea, p. 164
Source scan(s): p. 0175