aqua vitae

[ vahy-tee, vee-tee ]

noun

1. alcohol.
2. spirituous liquor, as brandy or whiskey.

aqua vitae

/ ˈviːtaɪ; ˈvaɪtiː /

noun

1. an archaic name for brandy

Word History and Origins

Origin of aqua vitae¹

1375–1425; late Middle English aqua vite < Latin: water of life; aquavit, whiskey

Word History and Origins

Origin of aqua vitae¹

Medieval Latin: water of life

Example Sentences

We decide to have a round drink: they choose the precious aqua vitae: the white sort I think.

From Project Gutenberg

Thou wilt await at Cumnor Place my further orders; and, as thou livest, beware of the ale-bench and the aqua vitae flask.

From Project Gutenberg

Bradford mentions "aqua vitae" as a constituent of their lunch on the exploring party of November 15.

From Project Gutenberg

"Truly a potent aqua vitae," he remarked, still with thoughtful melancholy.

From Project Gutenberg

I would give all the pohickory that was ever brewed by heathen for a toss of aqua vitae!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• alcohol
• drink
• extract
• liquor
• milk
• oil
• sauce
• syrup
• water