caudle

A nurse brings a warm caudle to the patient in bed.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A warm drink for invalids: "caudle" refers to a warm, often sweetened drink made from a mixture of ingredients such as broth, wine, spices, and sometimes eggs or oatmeal, traditionally given to sick or convalescent people to restore strength or comfort.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The nurse prepared a caudle for the patient, hoping it would soothe his fever. (A warm, nourishing drink for someone who is ill.)
  • In medieval times, caudle was often served to those recovering from illness. (A historical restorative beverage.)

Advanced Usage

• "caudle cup": a special cup or vessel used for serving caudle.
  • The antique shop displayed a silver caudle cup from the 17th century. (A cup designed specifically for this drink.)

Variants and Related Words

• Caudled (adj): describing something that has been mixed or prepared as a caudle.

  • The caudled broth was gently heated before serving. (The broth was prepared in the manner of a caudle.)

• Caudling (n): the act or process of making or serving caudle.

  • Caudling was a common household task in the days before modern medicine. (The practice of preparing caudle.)

Synonyms

• Posset: a similar warm, spiced drink made with milk and alcohol, often used for medicinal purposes.
• Gruel: a thin, watery porridge sometimes given to invalids, though less sweet than caudle.

Related Idioms

Notes on Usage

• "Caudle" is a historical or literary word, rarely used in modern everyday English. It appears most often in historical fiction, medical history texts, or discussions of old remedies.