Definition of "materiate"

After long enquiry of things immersed in matter, to interpose some subject which is immateriate, or less materiate; such as this of sounds.

1631, Francis [Bacon], “(please specify |century=I to X)”, in Sylua Syluarum: Or A Naturall Historie. In Ten Centuries. […], 3rd edition, London: […] William Rawley; [p]rinted by J[ohn] H[aviland] for William Lee […]