alkermes

[ al-kur-meez ]

noun

1. a Mediterranean liqueur made from brandy flavored with nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and other spices, and colored red with kermes or cochineal.

Word History and Origins

Origin of alkermes¹

1595–1605; < Spanish < Arabic al the + qirmiz kermes

Example Sentences

They enter into alkermes, a sort of liquor served at dinner in Italy, chiefly at Florence and Naples.

From Project Gutenberg

This is the original formula for the alkermes de Santa Maria Novella, which is much valued.

From Project Gutenberg