philtre

[ fil-ter ]

/ ˈfɪl tər /

noun, verb (used with object), phil·tred, phil·tring. Chiefly British.

philter.

Nearby words

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for philtre

Then follows a melodramatic incantation as the sorcerer deposits the philtre into a gigantic teapot.
The Secrets of a Savoyard|Henry A. Lytton
Pliny assures us that the remora was used in the preparation of a philtre capable of extinguishing the flames of love.
Animal Parasites and Messmates|P. J. Van Beneden
Hereupon Cosma accuses Glaucilla of substituting a poison for the philtre.
Pastoral Poetry and Pastoral Drama|Walter W. Greg
I gave you the philtre in your drinking water, and Foy, the traitor Foy, has reaped its fruits.
Lysbeth|H. Rider Haggard

The philtre was in her veins, whatever the directions of the rational mind.
One of Our Conquerors, Complete|George Meredith

British Dictionary definitions for philtre

philtre

US philter

/ (ˈfɪltə) /

noun

a drink supposed to arouse love, desire, etc

Word Origin for philtre

C16: from Latin philtrum, from Greek philtron love potion, from philos loving

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for philtre

philtre

also philter, "love potion," 1580s, from Middle French philtre (1560s), from Latin philtrum (plural philtra) "love potion," from Greek philtron "a love-charm," literally "to make oneself beloved," from philein "to love" (from philos "loving;" see philo-) + instrumental suffix -tron.