usquebaugh
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of usquebaugh
1575–85; < Irish uisce beatha or Scots Gaelic uisge beatha; see whiskey
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The usquebaugh was circulated in small quantities, and was highly flavoured with a decoction of saffron and other herbs, so as to resemble a medicinal potion rather than a festive cordial.
From The Fair Maid of Perth Or, St. Valentine's Day by Scott, Walter, Sir
But the interior of her hut was arranged for their reception, the usquebaugh was brewed or distilled in a larger quantity than it could have been supposed one lone woman could have made ready.
From Chronicles of the Canongate by Scott, Walter, Sir
But her diseased mind required stronger stimulants, and sought them in gallantry, in basset, and in usquebaugh.
From The History of England, from the Accession of James II — Volume 1 by Macaulay, Thomas Babington Macaulay, Baron
Before the 18th century usquebaugh is the regular form.
From The Romance of Words (4th ed.) by Weekley, Ernest
"Oh! we maun send the Queen a stag, And grouse for her propine, And we'll send her a cask o' the usquebaugh, And a butt o' the red French wine!"
From New Collected Rhymes by Lang, Andrew
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
