Also 5–7 aqua-vite, 7–8 aqua-vita. [L.; = water of life; cf. F. eau de vie, Ir. uisge bheatha, ‘usquebaugh.’]
1. A term of the alchemists applied to ardent spirits or unrectified alcohol; sometimes applied, in commerce, to ardent spirits of the first distillation.
1471. Ripley, Comp. Alch., in Ashm. 1652, 115. With Aquavite ofttimes, both wash and drie.
1586. T. Bright, A Treatise of Melancholie, xxii. 126. From the lyes of wine is distilled a strong and burning aqua vitæ.
1674. Petty, Disc. bef. R. Soc., 95. A Lamplike Vessel of common Aquavitæ.
1762. H. Walpole, Vertue’s Anecd. Paint. (1786), II. 207. He cleansed them with aquavitae alone.
2. Hence, pop. Any form in which ardent spirits have been drunk, as brandy, whisky, etc.
1547. Boorde, Dietary, x. 258. To speake of … aqua vite or of Ipocras.
1552. Chron. Gr. Friars (1852), 74. A woman … that made aqwavyte.
1678. Butler, Hud., III. III. 298. Restor’d the fainting High and Mighty With Brandy-Wine and Aquavitae.
1785. Burns, Earnest Cry, iii. That curst restriction On Aquavitæ.
1818. Scott, Rob Roy, xviii. A tass of brandy or aqua vitæ.
3. fig.; or in the literal L. meaning.
c. 1600. J. Davies, in Farr’s S. P., I. 254.
| Couer this Aqua vitæ with your wings | |
| From touch of infidels and Jewes prophane. |
4. Comb. and Attrib.
1601. Sherley’s Trav. Persia (1863), 46. A crue of aqua-vitæ-bellyed fellowes.
1634. Howell, Lett. (1650), II. 76. Sacks and canaries … us’d to be drunk in aquavita measures.
1749. H. Walpole, Corr. (1837), I. 143. Was glad to hear the aqua vitæ man crying a dram.
