‖ aqua-vitæ
(ˌeɪkwəˈvaɪtiː)
Also 5–7 aqua-vite, 7–8 aqua-vita.
[L.; = water of life; cf. F. eau de vie, Ir. uisge bheatha, ‘usquebaugh.’]
1. A term of the alchemists applied to ardent spirits or unrectified alcohol; sometimes applied, in commerce, to ardent spirits of the first distillation.
| 1471 Ripley Comp. Alch. in Ashm. 1652, 115 With Aquavite ofttimes, both wash and drie. 1586 Bright Melanch. xxii. 126 From the lyes of wine is distilled a strong and burning aqua vitæ. 1674 Petty Disc. bef. R. Soc. 95 A Lamplike Vessel of common Aquavitæ. 1762 H. Walpole Vertue's Anecd. Paint. (1786) II. 207 He cleansed them with aqua⁓vitae alone. |
2. Hence, pop. Any form in which ardent spirits have been drunk, as brandy, whisky, etc.
| 1547 Boorde Dietary x. 258 To speake of..aqua vite or of Ipocras. 1552 Chron. Gr. Friars (1852) 74 A woman..that made aqwavyte. 1678 Butler Hud. iii. iii. 298 Restor'd the fainting High and Mighty With Brandy-Wine and Aqua⁓vitae. 1785 Burns Earnest Cry iii, That curst restriction On Aquavitæ. 1818 Scott Rob Roy xviii, A tass of brandy or aqua vitæ. |
3. fig.; or in the literal L. meaning.
| c 1600 J. Davies in Farr S.P. I. 254 Couer this Aqua vitæ with your wings From touch of infidels and Jewes. |
4. Comb. and attrib.
| 1601 Sherley's Trav. Persia (1863) 46 A crue of aqua-vitæ-bellyed fellowes. 1634 Howell Lett. (1650) II. 76 Sacks and canaries..us'd to be drunk in aquavita measures. 1749 H. Walpole Corr. (1837) I. 143 Was glad to hear the aqua vitæ man crying a dram. |