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Synonyms

Adam's ale

American  

noun

Facetious.
  1. water.


Adam's ale British  

noun

  1. old-fashioned water

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Adam's ale

First recorded in 1635–45

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Adam's ale: and may so pure an element be always at hand.

From Routledge's Manual of Etiquette by Routledge, George

“Sling along the Adam’s ale, old girl,” said Jim at this point in her reverie.

From The Stronger Influence by Young, F.E. Mills

They warn't put into Adam's ale for nothin', that's a fact.'

From Nature and Human Nature by Haliburton, Thomas Chandler

Soda-water was the sole product of the lemonade factories; but the quality of Adam's ale tasted worse and was more suggestive of typhoid in that form than in any other.

From The Siege of Kimberley by Phelan, T.

They had a special objection to carrying fresh water, and nearly always bolted when they discovered it was "Adam's ale" that was swishing about on the outside of their hump.

From "Over There" with the Australians by Knyvett, R. Hugh (Reginald Hugh)

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