ETYMOLOGY
from Latin nocivus (harmful, injurious), (from nocere (to hurt)) + -ous
EXAMPLE
“…Phisitions which prescribe a remedy
To each disease & bodies maladie;
That know what is nocivous & what good,”
When it is fit to bath, to purge, let bloode;
Although they know the nature & the power
Of every simple, every hearbe, & flower,
With Solomon, which from the cedar tall
Vnto the hisope spreading on the wall,
Knew every growing plant, flower, hearbe, or tree,
With their true vse & proper qualitie; …”
From: The Times’ Whistle: Or, A New Daunce of Seven Satires, and Other Poems
Compiled by R.C., c1616
Published for the Early English Text Society, 1871
Lexicophilia 