Also lebban, leben. [Arab. laban, from a root meaning ‘to be white.’] A drink in use among the Arabs, consisting of coagulated sour milk.
1698. Phil. Trans., XIX. 158. Leben, (a thick sour Milk) … is a thing in mighty esteem in these hot Countries, being very useful to quench Thirst.
1756. Gentl. Mag., XXVI. 345. Their breakfast … in winter is fryed eggs, cheese, honey or leban.
1847. Disraeli, Tancred, IV. ii. Sheikh Salem will never drink leban again.
1880. L. Wallace, Ben-Hur, 231. I have bread and leben.
