potable, a. (n.)
(ˈpəʊtəb(ə)l)
(Also 7 -abile, -ible.)
[a. F. potable (14–15th c. in Hatz.-Darm.), ad. late L. pōtābilis (Auson.) drinkable, f. pōtāre to drink: see -able.]
1. Fit or suitable for drinking; drinkable.
| 1572 J. Jones Bathes of Bath ii. 16 The water there is altogyther potable. c 1645 Howell Lett. (1650) I. 369 They bore the tree with an awger, and there issueth out sweet potable liquor. 1753 Hanway Trav. (1762) II. vii. iii. 179 The water..was so corrupted.., that it was not potable. 1883 F. M. Crawford Mr. Isaacs ix, Huge packs of provisions edible and potable. |
b. potable gold: a preparation of nitro-muriate of gold deoxydized by some volatile oil, formerly esteemed as a cordial medicine; drinkable gold. So potable Mars (iron).
| 1576 Baker (title) The Newe Iewell of Health, wherein is contayned..the vse and preparation of Antimonie, and potable Gold. 1597 Shakes. 2 Hen. IV, iv. v. 163 Other [gold]..is more precious, Preserving life, in Med'cine potable. 1667 Milton P.L. iii. 608 What wonder then if fields and regions here Breathe forth Elixir pure, and Rivers run Potable Gold. 1694 Salmon Bate's Dispens. (1713) 195/1 A Tincture of Mars from Maets, which is call'd potable Mars. 1712 Swift Fable of Midas 7 He call'd for Drink; you saw him sup Potable Gold in Golden Cup. 1858 Mayne Expos. Lex., Aurum Potabile,..old term,..Potable gold. |
† 2. Appropriate to drinking. Obs. rare—1.
| 1605 Chapman All Fooles v. i. Plays 1873 I. 182 Come on, lets heare his wit in this potable humour. |
B. n. pl. Things potable; drinkables, liquor.
| 1623 Fletcher Rule a Wife iii. i, In a well-knit body, a poor parsnip will play his prize above their strong potabiles. 1651 Biggs New Disp. §287 The sick be nourished with only potables. 1791–1823 D'Israeli Cur. Lit. (1866) 268/1 He indicates the places for peculiar edibles, and exquisite potables. 1884 Punch 18 Oct. 190/1 The pleasant potables they would imperiously prohibit. |
Hence ˈpotableness, potable quality; potability.
| 1727 in Bailey vol. II. 1755 Johnson, Potableness, drinkableness. |