barley water

American  

noun

1. a decoction of barley, used especially in the treatment of diarrhea in infants.

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barley water British  

noun

1. a drink made from an infusion of barley, usually flavoured with lemon or orange

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Etymology

Origin of barley water

First recorded in 1275–1325

Example Sentences

Also worth nothing: Certain health-conscious individuals are once again drinking barley water for dietary reasons.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 15, 2022

However, even they do better than older women such as Judy Murray, who end up portrayed as a modern-day version of Lady Macbeth, only this time with added Robinson's barley water.

From The Guardian • Jul. 13, 2013

Lunch is usually nothing more than tea and bread and butter; dinner is often boiled mutton and turnips, washed down with barley water.

From Time Magazine Archive

The custom is to feed oysters with barley water in a dish.

From Time Magazine Archive

The drink may be barley water, with a few drops of vinegar or cream of tartar, or lukewarm milk and water; but neither beer nor wine must be allowed.

From The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches, Adapted to the Use of Private Families by Eaton, Mary, fl. 1823-1849