The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Cauterize \Cau"ter*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Cauterized; p.
   pr. & vb. n. Cauterizing.] [L. cauterizare, Gr. ?, fr. a
   branding iron: cf. F. caut['e]rised.. See cauter.]
   1. To burn or sear with a cautery or caustic. --Dunglison.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To sear, as the conscience. --Jer. Taylor.
      [1913 Webster]