A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Usquebay, n. Also: usquebae, -bea, uskkiba, uscova. [Gael., Ir. uisge beatha water of life (cf. Aquavite n.). Also in the later dial.] Whisky. See also Iskie-bae n.1632 Lithgow Trav. x 431.
Spanish sack, and Irish vscoua a1686 Turner Mem. 29.
We … drinking some healths in Scotch aquavitie and Irish uskkiba a1689 Cleland 12.
A tupe horn fill'd with vsquebay a1689 Cleland 87.
To drink brandie, or usquebae 1694 Seafield Corr. 147.
My Lord Advocat speaks of the strength of your vsquebea and gives you his service 1699 Watson's Coll. iii 59/39.
Num usquebea and butter Be best at night or noon
