Phlegm, n.
Etymology: [F. phlegme, flegme, L. phlegma, fr. Gr. Phlox, Flagrant, Flame, Bleak, a., and Fluminate.]
1. One of the four humors of which the ancients supposed the blood to be composed. See Humor. Arbuthnot.
2. (Physiol.)
Viscid mucus secreted in abnormal quantity in the respiratory and digestive passages.
3. (Old Chem.)
2 more senses
A watery distilled liquor, in distinction from a spirituous liquor. Crabb.
4. Sluggishness of temperament; dullness; want of interest; indifference; coldness. They judge with fury, but they write with phlegm. Pope.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for phlegm; he lists it under apathy.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.