philter

American  

[fil-ter] / ˈfɪl tər /

especially British, philtre

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.

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verb (used with object)

philtered, philtering

1. to enchant or bewitch with a philter.

Other Word Forms

• philterer
  noun

Etymology

Origin of philter

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

philter philtered

Red Hugh fell afoul of a British agent who accomplished with a philter what could not be done by force.

From Time Magazine Archive

Every bane has its corresponding antidote; if so, there may be physic even for a philter.

From The Comic Latin Grammar A new and facetious introduction to the Latin tongue by Leech, John

Perhaps the absence that makes the heart grow fonder is working like a philter in this journey planned by Mrs. Valentine with a far different purpose.

From Ladies-In-Waiting by Curtiss, Christine Tucke

The philter must be emptied quickly after the stopper is removed from the vial.

From The Pocket Bible or Christian the Printer A Tale of the Sixteenth Century by Sue, Eug?ne

Then, with a warmth of determination worthy a younger man, he demanded an explanation, and received a confession of the poisonous love philter.

From Old-Time Gardens Newly Set Forth by Earle, Alice Morse

So shocked was Byron that he complained that the book was filled with "the philtered ideas of a jaded voluptuary."

From Time Magazine Archive

These descriptions ought to have been written by Tiberius at Caprea—they are forced—the philtered ideas of a jaded voluptuary.

From The Works of Lord Byron: Letters and Journals. Vol. 2 by Prothero, Rowland E. (Rowland Edmund), Baron Ernle

Related Words

• draught
• elixir