Roman punch

American  

noun

British.

1. a lemon-water ice flavored with rum or other alcoholic beverage.

---

Etymology

Origin of Roman punch

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Roman punch

The only good thing I heard this year was an ancient gentlewoman going up to Gunter and asking him for 'the receipt for that white stuff,' pointing to his Roman punch.

From Vivian Grey by Disraeli, Benjamin, Earl of Beaconsfield

Roman punch, when it is served, comes between the roasts and the game, thus preparing the palate for the new flavor.

From Social Life or, The Manners and Customs of Polite Society by Cooke, Maud C.

The best of these is the Roman punch, which, coming after the heavy roasts, prepares the palate and stomach for the canvas- back ducks or other game.

From Manners and Social Usages by Sherwood, Mrs. John M. E. W.

Faience, china, glass, and ice are all pressed into the service of the Roman punch, and sometimes the prettiest dish of all is hewn out of ice.

From Manners and Social Usages by Sherwood, Mrs. John M. E. W.

Edgar Allan Poe said of Dr. Francis that his conversation was "a sort of Roman punch, made up of tragedy, comedy, and the broadest of all possible farce."

From Julia Ward Howe 1819-1910 by Elliott, Maud Howe