water cure

plural water cures

1. datedTreatment of pain and illness using water, particularly bathing.

   1 more example

   There is another way of treating brittle hoof, called the ‘water cure.’ The horse’s shoes are removed, and he is put to stand on the bare stones or bricks. Folded flannel is then fastened round the pastern, but allowed to fall over and cover the coronet and hoof; the flannel is kept well soaked with cold water by day.

   1880, J. T. Denny, chapter XI, in Horses and Roads

   Synonyms: balneotherapy, hydropathy, hydrotherapy

2. A form of torture in which the victim is forced to drink large quantities of water in a short time.