bitters, n. pl.
(ˈbɪtəz)
[f. bitter n.1]
1. Bitter medicines generally, as Peruvian bark, quinine, etc.; spec. alcoholic (or other) liquors, impregnated with the extract of gentian, quassia, wormwood, orange peel, etc. and used as stomachics, anthelmintics, etc. (Also in singular: see bitter n.1 2.)
| 1713 Guardian No. 131 (1756) II. 188 Two hogsheads of bitters. 1784 J. Sims in Med. Commun. I. 422 He took vomits, purgatives and bitters. 1822 J. Flint Lett. Amer. 54 Some Americans drinking their morning's bitters (spirits with rice, wormwood, or other vegetable infusion). 1880 New Syd. Soc. Lex. s.v. Bitters, Medicinal substances..distinguished into the aromatic, pure, and styptic bitters. |
2. fig., esp. in U.S. colloq. phr. to get one's bitters: to get one's deserts. Obs.
| 1812 in Maryland Hist. Mag. (1914) IX. 70 You might get your bitters in Baltimore Town. 1836 Hor. Smith Tin Trump. I. 16 Misfortunes are moral bitters, which frequently restore the healthy tone of the mind. a 1846 in W. T. Porter Quarter Race Ky. (1846) 194 The seal soon got his bitters, and the captin cut a big hunk off the tail eend. |