branch water

noun

1. water in or from a branch, creek, stream, etc.; pure, natural water.
2. Also called branch. Chiefly South Midland and Southern U.S. (in a drink, highball, etc.) plain water as distinguished from soda water, ginger ale, or the like; ordinary water.

Word History and Origins

Origin of branch water¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

On muleback and on foot, Boone followed up many a narrowing creek bed to sources where dwelt the "branch-water folk."

From Project Gutenberg