† alkermes Obs.
(ælˈkɜːmɪz)
[a. Fr. alkermès ad. (ult.) Arab. al-qirmiz, i.e. al the + qirmiz kermes.]
1. The Kermes, or Scarlet Grain insect (the female of Coccus Ilicis), formerly supposed to be a berry, and sometimes described erroneously as a ‘gall.’
| 1621 Burton Anat. Mel. ii. v. i. v, Alkermes comforts the inner parts. 1624 Capt. Smith Virginia vi. 216 The..Fruits are of many sorts and kinds, as Alkermes, Currans, Mulberies, etc. 1718 Quincy Compl. Dispens. 83 Of Alkermes, The Juice of the Berries is wonderfully grateful to the Palate, and a fine Cordial. |
2. A once famous confection or cordial of which the kermes ‘berry’ was originally an ingredient.
| 1605 Bacon Adv. Learn. iv. ii. 164 Venice treacle, mithridate, diascordium, the confection of alkermes. 1626 ― Sylva §965 Kermes, which is the principal ingredient in their cordial confection Alkermes. 1692 Tryon Good House-w. (ed. 2) i. 6 A rich Cordial of Alchermes that I'll send you. 1704 Cocker Dict., Alkermes, an Excellent Confection against swoonings, it is made of Gold, Amber, Pearl and the like. 1753 Chambers Cycl. Supp. s.v., The confection alkermes has undergone divers changes and censures. |