Definition

Noun (plural: ardent spirits) 1. Strong distilled alcoholic beverages: This term refers to alcoholic drinks of high proof (alcohol content) produced by distillation, such as whiskey, brandy, rum, or gin. The word "ardent" historically means burning or fiery, describing the intense, warming sensation of these spirits.

Usage

• The term is often used in historical, legal, or formal contexts to categorize and describe potent distilled alcohols.
• It distinguishes these strong drinks from weaker alcoholic beverages like beer or wine.
• It is typically used in the plural form "ardent spirits."

Examples

• The old law imposed a heavy tax on all ardent spirits.
• In the 18th century, the consumption of ardent spirits was widespread.
• The cargo included barrels of wine and several casks of ardent spirits.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can be found in historical documents, temperance movement literature, and older legal statutes regulating alcohol.

Variants and Related Words

• Spirits (n.): A common modern shortening (e.g., "a store that sells spirits").
• Liquor (n.): A general synonym for distilled alcoholic drink.
• Distillate (n.): The product obtained from distillation, which can include alcoholic spirits.
• Brandy (n.): A specific type of ardent spirit distilled from wine or fermented fruit juice.
• Whiskey/Whisky (n.): A specific type of ardent spirit distilled from fermented grain mash.

Synonyms

• Hard liquor
• Strong drink
• Distilled spirits

Notes on Meaning

• The core meaning is specifically strong and distilled. It does not refer to all alcoholic beverages.
• The term is largely archaic in everyday modern English but remains precise in certain technical or historical descriptions.

Noun

1. strong distilled liquor or brandy