libation
/lʌɪˈbeɪʃ(ə)n
/noun
1A drink poured out as an offering to a deity: he poured the libation of rum on the ground...
- Possibly these cups were used in the performance of cult, such as feasting by the worshippers and offering of libations to the deities.
- When one pagan group was ordered to dismantle a totem pole over which libations were poured, they simply placed a bust of Lenin on top and continued as before.
- All libations denote a sacrifice to the deity, but the one in the meal-context denotes a sharing with the god as all partake of the same drinking of wine.
Synonyms
liquid offering, offering, tribute, dedication, oblation;
sacrifice
1.1 [mass noun] The pouring out of a libation: gin was poured in libation...
- Other participants perform libation using Scotch or other similar liquor by pouring from a ram's horn.
- Wine and beer were frequently offered, among many other foods and drinks, to deities as part of the cult, and the practice of libation was widespread in temple ritual.
- When we refer to ‘they made a libation of water’, a libation is simply pouring a drink offering.
1.2 humorous A drink: tequila is a favourite libation throughout the West...
- Conveniently, brother John Paul's favourite football team are sponsored by his favourite libation.
- Anyone remotely familiar with Germany knows that beer, wine, and other libations, such as Most and Korn, play a significant role in its culture and society.
- Please allow us to suggest some crowd-pleasing libations based on your menu selections as well as budget and palate preferences.
Synonyms
drink, beverage, alcoholic drink, liquid refreshment, bracer;
dram, draught, nip, tot, swallow, sip, gulp
informal swig, tincture, tipple
archaic potation
Origin
Late Middle English: from Latin libatio(n-), from libare 'pour as an offering'.