1. fig. A drink that gives life or immortality to the drinker.
1382. Wyclif, Rev. xxii. 17. And he that wole, take freely the watir of lijf.
1688. Bunyan (title), The Water of Life, or a Discourse shewing the Richness and Glory of the Grace and Spirit of the Gospel.
1867. Kingsley, Water of Life, i. 4. The Last … was haunted by dreams of a Water of Life, a Fount of Perpetual Youth, a Cup of Immortality.
2. A name for brandy or whisky; rendering med.L. aqua vitæ (see AQUA-VITÆ), F. eau-de-vie (see EAU), Gael., Ir. uisge-beatha (see USQUEBAUGH, WHISKY). rare (only as transl.).
1576. G. Baker, trans. Gesner’s Jewell of Health, 11 b. The infusions … are done eyther in simple water,… or in water of lyfe.
1822. J. Wilson, Lights & Shadows Sc. Life, 372. The shepherds who had all come down from the mountain-heights, and were collected together, (not without a quech of the mountain-dew, or water of life) in a large shed.
