bay rum

American  

noun

1. a fragrant liquid used chiefly as an aftershaving lotion, prepared by distilling the leaves of the tropical American bay, Pimenta racemosa, with rum or by mixing oil from the leaves with alcohol, water, and other oils.

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bay rum British  

noun

1. an aromatic liquid, used in medicines and cosmetics, originally obtained by distilling the leaves of the bayberry tree ( Pimenta racemosa ) with rum: now also synthesized from alcohol, water, and various oils

2. another name for bayberry

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Etymology

Origin of bay rum

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

Only a whiff of bay rum aftershave, and there he was, bowing from the neck before the Duchess of Cheddar Gorge.

From Literature

The smell of fried dough would overwhelm the combined scent of talcum powder, barbicide and bay rum that had lingered in the air through the day.

From New York Times

I'm also a big fan of their bay rum bitters, which is made using leaves from the West India bay tree Anderman keeps on the premises.

From Salon

Russell’s Santa probably doesn’t smell like peppermint either, but he’s rough around the edges in just the right proportion to envision the guy being partial to a good quality bay rum.

From Salon

Harry looked handsome and reeked of the competing scents of lavender pomade and bay rum toilet water.

From Literature