vermouth
(ˈvɜːmuːt, ˈvɜːmuːθ, ˈvɜːməθ)
Also vermuth.
[a. F. vermout (vɛrmut), ad. G. wermuth wormwood, wermod.]
a. An alcoholic cordial or liqueur consisting of white wine flavoured with wormwood or other aromatic herbs and taken in order to stimulate the appetite. Also attrib.
| 1806 J. Pinkerton Recollect. Paris II. xv. 208 A decanter of Jamaica rum, Wormwood wine, or that of Vermouth. 1837 Lytton E. Maltrav. vii. i, Thinking that you soften the hearts of your friends by soups à la bisque, and Vermuth wine at a guinea a bottle! 1870 Pall Mall G. 5 Nov. 12 Absinthe and vermouth began to be sold in them. 1884 J. Colborne Hicks Pasha 83 There is one Italian firm importing good vermouth. |
b. A glass or drink of this.
| 1899 J. Conrad in Blackw. Mag. Feb. 201/1 As we sat over our vermuths he glorified the Company's business. 1903 ‘Marjoribanks’ Fluff-Hunters 151 He felt discomfited, and ordered a Vermouth to gain time for reflection. |
c. vermouth-cassis: see cassis.