[f. next + -ITY. So F. spirituosité.]
1. The state or quality of being spirituous or of containing spirit, esp. through distillation.
1669. W. Simpson, Hydrol. Chym., 31. Which digestion of the Spleen so promoting the blood in its tincture, and height of spirituosity [etc.].
1674. Petty, Disc. Dupl. Proportion, 93. The measuring of the Spirituosity of Liquors, or in what proportions several Liquors contein more or less of inflameable or ardent parts.
1778. Phil. Trans., LXVIII. 500. The spirituosity of different liquors distilled from wine.
1836. Art of Brewing (ed. 2), 102. A flavour partaking of the spirituosity of wine.
1880. Libr. Univ. Knowl., VI. 281. The wines in this part are rich in color, and distinguished by much body and spirituosity.
† 2. Spiritual nature or quality; animating force or energy. Obs. rare.
1677. Gale, Crt. Gentiles, IV. v. § 1. 306. Whatever Spirituositie or Actuositie there is in any created life. Ibid., 307. The Life of God carries in it the most perfect Spirituositie, as he is the most simple pure Spirit.
