An antiseptic soap containing phenol and other compounds obtained from coal tar; (in later use also) a soap manufactured to resemble this in appearance and fragrance.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in The Lancet.
Definition of coal tar soap in US English:
coal tar soap
noun
An antiseptic soap containing phenol and other compounds obtained from coal tar; (in later use also) a soap manufactured to resemble this in appearance and fragrance.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in The Lancet.