ˈbarley-ˌwater
[f. barley.]
A drink, made by the decoction of pearl barley, used as a demulcent. † strong barley-water: ale.
| c 1320 Seuyn Sag. 1574 Barli-water, that was . i-sode. 1580 Hollyband Treas. Fr. Tong, Orgemonde, Barlye water, Tysante. 1625 Hart Anat. Ur. i. v. 46 The women..are not so busie..with the strong barley water as our British women. 1684 Otway Atheist Prol., And Barley-water Whey-fac'd Beau's write Satyrs. 1875 H. Wood Therap. (1879) 581 Barley-water is used as a nutritious, demulcent drink in fevers. |