Original: An early use of the word clinic was, 'one who receives baptism on a sick bed' Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913 )[ ].
Simplified: Origins - a short etymological dictionary of modern English' by Eric Partridge Book club associates 1966 An early meaning of the word clinic was, 'one who gets baptism on a sick bed'. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913 )[ ] Types of clinics In the United States, a free clinic provides free or low cost health care for people without insurance.