negus

¹ American  

[nee-guhs] / ˈni gəs /

noun

plural

neguses

1. a title of Ethiopian royalty.

2. (initial capital letter) the Emperor of Ethiopia.

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negus ² American  

[nee-guhs] / ˈni gəs /

noun

1. a beverage made of wine and hot water, with sugar, nutmeg, and lemon.

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Negus ¹ British  

/ ˈniːɡəs /

noun

1. a title of the emperor of Ethiopia

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negus ² British  

/ ˈniːɡəs /

noun

1. a hot drink of port and lemon juice, usually spiced and sweetened

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Etymology

Origin of negus¹

1585–95; < Amharic nəgus king < Geez, participle of nägŝä to reign

Origin of negus²

1735–45; after Colonel Francis Negus (died 1732), Englishman who invented it

Example Sentences

“Oh, it is no trouble; I dare say your own hands are almost numbed with cold. Leah, make a little hot negus and cut a sandwich or two: here are the keys of the storeroom.”

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

Ellis declined the negus, but, rejoicing in any safe and honest protection, entreated that Mr Tedman would have the goodness to order one of his servants to see her home.

From The Wanderer (Volume 2 of 5) or, Female Difficulties by Burney, Fanny

Sir Gregory Markham, who brought her the negus, she discovered to have just returned from Paris.

From The Black Moth A Romance of the XVIIIth Century by Heyer, Georgette

One hour’s sleep after exercise is deeper, and sweeter, and sounder, and more refreshing than five hours induced by port-wine negus.

From Aileen Aroon, A Memoir With other Tales of Faithful Friends and Favourites by Stables, Gordon

What people drink at such times comes to nothing,—just a little negus and lemonade.

From Rachel Ray by Trollope, Anthony