Aqua vitae
/ˌeɪkwə ˈvaɪti/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An aqueous solution of alcohol typically prepared by distilling wine. countable, uncountable
- 2 strong distilled liquor or brandy wordnet
- 3 A concentrated aqueous solution of ethanol. archaic, countable, uncountable
- 4 Synonym of ardent spirits, particularly cognac and other French brandy. archaic, countable, uncountable
"Ile ſooner truſt an Iriſhman vvith my Aquauita bottle, Sir Hu our parſon vvith my cheeſe, A theefe to vvalk my ambling gelding, thẽ my vvife VVith her ſelfe […]"
Example
More examples"Ile ſooner truſt an Iriſhman vvith my Aquauita bottle, Sir Hu our parſon vvith my cheeſe, A theefe to vvalk my ambling gelding, thẽ my vvife VVith her ſelfe […]"
Etymology
From Medieval Latin aqua vītae directly and via Middle English aqua vite and French eau-de-vie, from aqua (“water”) and vītae (“of life”). Doublet of aquavit and akvavit. Compare eau de vie, whisky, whiskey, and water of life from the same source.