philter

especially British, philtre

[fil-ter]

noun

1. a potion, charm, or drug supposed to cause the person taking it to fall in love, usually with some specific person.

2. a magic potion for any purpose.

verb (used with object)

philtered, philtering 

1. to enchant or bewitch with a philter.

Other Word Forms

• philterer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of philter¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from French philtre, from Latin philtrum; philtrum

Example Sentences

Here, the chef, unseen, flips your chosen items in a wok with a philter of chile and spice.

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For a fact, they say that people of his nationality have philters for that purpose.

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This remark appears judicious, since the potion described by the Abbé was evidently intended as an amorous philter.

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The use of herbs as component parts of love philters and charms is a most ancient custom, and lingered into the nineteenth century in country communities.

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The highest personages of the court resorted to the astrologers for horoscopes, charms, or philters.

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Related Words

• draught 
• elixir