Mulse

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A beverage consisting of honey dissolved in water, sometimes enhanced with spices or wine to create a sweet, aromatic drink
2. A traditional drink made by mixing honey with water, often flavored or fermented to produce a mildly alcoholic or sweetened refreshment
3. A preparation where honey is blended into water, optionally with wine or spices, resulting in a sweetened liquid enjoyed as a beverage or tonic

Etymology: Mulse is a drink with a surprisingly gentle origin: the Latin "mulsum", short for "mulsum vinum", meant wine sweetened with honey, and it took its name from the adjective "mulsus", meaning "mixed with honey" or "honey-sweet". That adjective is the past participle of the Latin verb "mulcere", which meant "to sweeten" or "to soften". The same verb gave Latin a word for soothing or stroking, so the drink's name carries an old sense of gentleness along with sweetness. The Romans prized the drink enough that it was often served as an appetizer or a ceremonial toast before meals, and the honey blend gave it a reputation as something pleasant to sip rather than a rough everyday wine. English took the word from Latin, so the drink and its name arrived together, carrying their honeyed origin with them.

Synonyms: mulsum, honeyed wine, spiced wine, wine drink, ancient beverage