sb. pl. [f. BITTER sb.1] Bitter medicines generally, as Peruvian bark, quinine, etc.; spec. alcoholic (or other) liquors, impregnated with the extract of gentian, quassia, wormwood, orange peel, etc., and used as stomachics, anthelmintics, etc. (Also in singular: see BITTER sb.1 2.)
1713. Guardian, No. 131 (1756), II. 188. Two hogsheads of bitters.
1784. J. Sims, in Med. Commun., I. 422. He took vomits, purgatives and bitters.
1822. J. Flint, Lett. Amer., 54. Some Americans drinking their morning’s bitters (spirits with rice, wormwood, or other vegetable infusion).
1836. Hor. Smith, Tin Trump., I. 16. Misfortunes are moral bitters, which frequently restore the healthy tone of the mind.
1880. New Syd. Soc. Lex., s.v. Bitters, Medicinal substances … distinguished into the aromatic, pure, and styptic bitters.
