Roman punch

noun

, British.

1. a lemon-water ice flavored with rum or other alcoholic beverage.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Roman punch¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

"Mr. Withering's suffrage can always be bought by a mock-turtle soup, and a glass of Roman punch after it."

From Project Gutenberg

Edgar Allan Poe said of Dr. Francis that his conversation was "a sort of Roman punch, made up of tragedy, comedy, and the broadest of all possible farce."

From Project Gutenberg

For instance, there are no Maltese cats in Malta, no Venetian blinds in Venice, no Roman punch in Rome.

From Project Gutenberg

After a careful examination of his three waistcoats, his two pairs of trousers, and his only coat, he put on those which he judged to be in the best condition; then he curled and crimped and anointed himself, and saturated himself with eau de cologne; as he had no other perfume, he drenched his handkerchief with essence of lemon used to remove stains; the result being that his concierge, when he passed, mistook him for a bowl of Roman punch.

From Project Gutenberg

They do not care for Davie Wilson's biscuits and sponge-cakes, or a glass of raspberry ice-cream or Roman Punch on a summer day; their bill of fare is as short and simple as their taste is primitive.

From Project Gutenberg