Dictionary.net

Has the addition of some escharotic or other substance to destroy the obstacle; as in the Caustic Bougie, (F.) B. cauterisante, B. armee, B. emplastigue. which has a small portion of Lunar Caustic or Common Caustic inserted in its extremity. Ducamp has recommended a Bougie, which swells out near its extremity, for the better dilating of the urethra. This he calls B. a ventre. The metallic Bougie, invented by Smyth, is a composition of metal, allowing of great flexibility; and a hollow Bougie is one with a channel running through it, to be used in the same manner as the catheter, or otherwise.