proof spirit

American  

noun

1. an alcoholic liquor, or mixture of alcohol and water, containing a standard amount of alcohol. In the U.S. proof spirit has a specific gravity of .93353 (containing one half of its volume of alcohol of a specific gravity of .7939 at 60° F). In Britain proof spirit has a specific gravity of .91984.

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proof spirit British  

noun

1. (in Britain and Canada) a mixture of alcohol and water or an alcoholic beverage that contains 49.28 per cent of alcohol by weight, 57.1 per cent by volume at 51°F: up until 1980 used as a standard of alcoholic liquids

2. (in the US) a similar standard mixture containing 50 per cent of alcohol by volume at 60°F

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Etymology

Origin of proof spirit

First recorded in 1735–45

Example Sentences

"Tut, man," said Sir Terence: "I know him now better than you; he will stand, you'll find, the shock of that regiment of figures—he is steel to the backbone, and proof spirit."

From Tales and Novels — Volume 06 by Edgeworth, Maria

If Salkindsohn's formula is used—tincture of iodine, 1 part; proof spirit, 15 parts—the gut can be kept permanently in the solution without becoming brittle.

From Manual of Surgery Volume First: General Surgery. Sixth Edition. by Thomson, Alexis

In England proof spirit is defined by Act 58, George III., to be such as shall at a temperature of 51° Fahrenheit weigh exactly the &frac12x13; part of an equal measure of distilled water.

From The Gutenberg Webster's Unabridged Dictionary Section P and Q by Project Gutenberg

French proof spirit one gallon, extract bay six ounces.

From The Whitehouse Cookbook (1887) Cooking, Toilet and Household Recipes, Menus, Dinner-Giving, Table Etiquette, Care of the Sick, Health Suggestions, Facts Worth Knowing, Etc., Etc. The Whole Comprising a Comprehensive Cyclopedia of Information for the Home by Gillette, F. L. (Fanny Lemira)

Peruvian bark, bruised, one ounce and a half.Orange-peel, do. one ounce.Brandy, or proof spirit, one pint.

From The Cook's Oracle; and Housekeeper's Manual by Kitchiner, William