Definition
A thick, dark syrup produced during the refining of sugar cane or sugar beets, also called molasses in American English. The word is also used figuratively to describe something overly sentimental or sweet to the point of being cloying.
Example Usage
The sentimental dialogue in the film was pure treacle, but audiences loved it anyway.
Origin
From Middle English triacle, derived from Old French triacle, ultimately from Greek theriake (antidote to venom)—originally it referred to an antidote before shifting to mean the dark syrup.
Fun Fact
In British English, 'treacle tart' is a classic dessert, while in American usage, people would typically say 'molasses tart' or simply 'molasses cookie.'
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
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