Definition

1. Noun:
   • A ritual pouring of a liquid as an offering to a deity: This is the primary, formal meaning, referring specifically to the act of pouring out a drink (especially wine, oil, or milk) as a sacred offering in a religious or ceremonial context.
   • The liquid poured in such a ceremony: The word can also refer to the substance itself that is offered.
   • (Humorous) A drink, especially an alcoholic one: In informal, often facetious usage, "libation" is used to refer humorously to a serving of a beverage, particularly an alcoholic drink.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Religious ceremony):
  • The priest performed a libation of wine at the altar.
  • Ancient Greek rituals often began with a libation to the gods.
• Noun (The offering itself):
  • The libation was a mixture of honey and milk.
• Noun (Humorous/Informal):
  • After a long day, he enjoyed a refreshing libation at the bar.
  • "Would anyone care for a libation?" she asked, holding up a bottle of champagne.

Advanced Usage

• "To make a libation": To perform the ritual act of pouring a drink offering.
  • The community gathered to make a libation for a bountiful harvest.
• "Funerary libation": A drink offering poured in honor of the dead.
  • Funerary libations were a common practice in many ancient cultures.

Variants and Related Words

• Libate (verb, archaic): To pour out a libation; to make a drink offering.
  • The worshippers would libate to the goddess.
• Libationary (adjective): Pertaining to or of the nature of a libation. (Rare)

Synonyms

• Offering: A thing offered, especially to a deity.
• Tribute: Something given or done as an act of respect or acknowledgment.
• Drink offering: A direct descriptive synonym for the religious act.
• Beverage or drink (for the informal, humorous sense).

Idioms and Fixed Phrases

• "Pour a libation": Synonymous with "make a libation"; to offer a drink ritually.
  • They poured a libation to honor their ancestors.
• "Last libation": Can refer humorously to a final drink, or solemnly to a final offering for the dead.
  • (Humorous) He ordered one last libation before closing time.
  • (Solemn) The last libation was poured onto the grave.

Noun

1. the act of pouring a liquid offering (especially wine) as a religious ceremony
2. a serving (of wine) poured out in honor of a deity
3. (facetious) a serving of an alcoholic beverage