or -rack, subs. phr. (old).—Sherry. [Sherry was formerly a large import of the city of BRISTOL.]

1

  1644.  PRYNNE and WALKER, Fiennes’ Trial, 78. Good store of BRISTOL MILK, strong wines and waters.

2

  1662.  FULLER, Worthies, Bristol. ‘BRISTOL MILK’; this metaphorical milk, whereby Xeres or Sherry Sack intended.

3

  1668.  PEPYS, Diary, 13 June. Enjoyed plenty of brave wine, and above all BRISTOL MILK.

4

  c. 1696.  B. E., A New Dictionary of the Canting Crew, s.v. BRISTOL-MILK, Sherry.

5

  1785.  GROSE, A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue. BRISTOL MILK, a Spanish wine called sherry, much drank at that place, particularly in the morning.

6

  1809.  BYRON, English Bards and Scotch Reviewers (1st ed.).

        To much in turtle Bristol’s sons delight,
Too much o’er bowls of RACK prolong the night.
  [altered in subsequent editions.]

7

  1849–61.  MACAULAY, The History of England, I., iii. A rich beverage made of the best Spanish wine, and celebrated … as BRISTOL MILK.

8