quaff

[ kwof, kwaf, kwawf ]

verb (used without object)

1. to drink a beverage, especially an intoxicating one, copiously and with hearty enjoyment.

   Synonyms: guzzle, swig, gulp, swallow

verb (used with object)

1. to drink (a beverage) copiously and heartily:

   We spent the whole evening quaffing ale.

noun

1. an act or instance of quaffing.
2. a beverage quaffed.

quaff

/ kwɑːf; kwɒf /

verb

1. to drink heartily or in one draught

Derived Forms

• ˈquaffer, noun
• ˈquaffable, adjective

Other Words From

• quaffer noun
• outquaff verb (used with object)
• un·quaffed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of quaff¹

First recorded in 1515–25; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of quaff¹

C16: perhaps of imitative origin; compare Middle Low German quassen to eat or drink excessively

Example Sentences

Juicy strawberries, wild herbs and a saline minerality combine for a refreshing, even invigorating quaff.

From Washington Post

Not that we suspect he suspected Harry was trying to get a cheeky quaff.

From The Daily Beast

But is his quaff really as provocative a fashion statement as Mel says it is?

From The Daily Beast

There was a settee, a mahogany sideboard, where the former owner was accustomed to quaff his wines and liquors.

From Project Gutenberg

The champagne seemed to flow in fountains, and was only interrupted that the guests might quaff Burgundy or taste Tokay.

From Project Gutenberg

I began to quaff new life with the first breath of the balmy air.

From Project Gutenberg

We put the cup of pleasure to our lips, and quaff, instead of cooling draughts, the fiery flashes of searing excess.

From Project Gutenberg

There would be no refreshing cup to quaff upon arriving, only water, or at best milk.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• gulp
• guzzle
• imbibe
• sip
• swig
• swill