Obs. [a. Fr. alkermès ad. (ult.) Arab. al-qirmiz, i.e., al the + qirmiz KERMES.]
1. The Kermes, or Scarlet Grain insect (the female of Coccus Ilicis), formerly supposed to be a berry, and sometimes described erroneously as a ‘gall.’
1621. Burton, Anat. Mel., II. V. I. v. Alkermes comforts the inner parts.
1624. Capt. Smith, Virginia, VI. 216. The … Fruits are of many sorts and kinds, as Alkermes, Currans, Mulberies, [etc.].
1718. Quincy, Compl. Dispens., 83. Of Alkermes, The Juice of the Berries is wonderfully grateful to the Palate, and a fine Cordial.
2. A once famous confection or cordial of which the kermes ‘berry’ was originally an ingredient.
1605. Bacon, Adv. Learn., IV. ii. 164. Venice treacle, mithridate, diascordium, the confection of alkermes. Ibid. (1626), Sylva, § 965. Kermes, which is the principal ingredient in their cordial confection Alkermes.
1692. Tryon, Good House-w. (ed. 2), i. 6. A rich Cordial of Alchermes that I’ll send you.
1704. Cocker, Dict., Alkermes, an Excellent Confection against swoonings, it is made of Gold, Amber, Pearl and the like.
1753. Chambers, Cycl. Supp., s.v., The confection alkermes has undergone divers changes and censures.
