water of life
1. fig. A drink which gives life or immortality to the drinker.
| 1382 Wyclif Rev. xxii. 17 And he that wole, take freely the watir of lijf. 1688 Bunyan (title) The Water of Life, or a Discourse shewing the Richness and Glory of the Grace and Spirit of the Gospel. 1867 Kingsley Water of Life i. 4 The East..was haunted by dreams of a Water of Life, a Fount of Perpetual Youth, a Cup of Immortality. |
2. A name for brandy or whisky; rendering med.L. aqua vitæ (see aqua-vitæ), F. eau-de-vie (see eau), Gael., Ir. uisge-beatha (see usquebaugh, whisky). rare (only as transl.).
| 1576 G. Baker tr. Gesner's Jewell Health 11 b, The infusions..are done eyther in simple water,..or in water of lyfe. 1822 J. Wilson Lights & Shadows of Sc. Life 372 The shepherds..were collected together (not without a quech of the mountain-dew, or water of life) in a large shed. |