strong water

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Calque of Latin aqua fortis, named for their ability to dissolve metals.

Noun

strong water (plural strong waters)

  1. (archaic) Synonym of aqua fortis:
    1. A strong solvent, (particularly) nitric acid. [from 15th c.]
    2. A strong drink, (particularly) distilled spirits. [from 17th c.]
      • 1672, William Hughes, The American Physitian..., pp. 33–34:
        Now, if there be six Coppers, the first two are thinnest and biggest, in which the juyce is first boiled; but not by a very strong fire, for that will make the Scum to rise, by casting in Temper, as they call it: the first of which that ariseth is little worth; but afterwards, what is scum'd off, they make a very good drink of, called Locus-Ale, much used by the servants; or else they convey it into a Copper-Still (as they do all their other setlings and dregs of Sugar) to be distill'd, and make a sort of Strong-Water they call Rum, or Rum-bullion, stronger then Spirit of Wine, and not very pleasant, until a man is used to it. This strong liquor is ordinarily drank amongst the Planters, as well alone, as made into Punch.
      • 1728, John Gay, The Beggar's Opera, III.8:
        Strong-Waters are apt to give me the Head-ache—I hope, Madam, you will excuse me.
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