Also vermuth. [a. F. vermout, ad. G. wermuth wormwood, WERMUTH.] An alcoholic cordial or liqueur consisting of white wine flavored with wormwood or other aromatic herbs and taken in order to stimulate the appetite. Also attrib.
1806. J. Pinkerton, Recollect. Paris, II. xv. 208. A decanter of Jamaica rum, Wormwood wine, or that of Vermouth.
1837. Lytton, E. Maltrav., VII. i. Thinking that you soften the hearts of your friends by soups à la bisque, and Vermuth wine at a guinea a bottle!
1870. Pall Mall G., 5 Nov., 12. Absinthe and vermouth began to be sold in them.
1884. J. Colborne, Hicks Pasha, 83. There is one Italian firm importing good vermouth.
b. A glass or drink of this.
1899. J. Conrad, in Blackw. Mag., Feb., 201/1. As we sat over our vermuths he glorified the Company’s business.
1903. ‘Marjoribanks,’ Fluff-Hunters, 151. He felt discomfited, and ordered a Vermouth to gain time for reflection.
