philter

American  

[fil-ter] / ˈfɪl tər /

especially British, philtre

noun

1. a potion, charm, or drug supposed to cause the person taking it to fall in love, usually with some specific person.

2. a magic potion for any purpose.

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verb (used with object)

philtered, philtering

1. to enchant or bewitch with a philter.

Other Word Forms

• philterer noun

Etymology

Origin of philter

First recorded in 1580–90; from French philtre, from Latin philtrum; see philtrum

Example Sentences

Red Hugh fell afoul of a British agent who accomplished with a philter what could not be done by force.

From Time Magazine Archive

To these lowly, solitary men, who knew nothing beyond their own fields and coppices and wastelands, its excitement came like a magic philter to change the monotony of their days.

From The Waters of Edera by Ouida

Every bane has its corresponding antidote; if so, there may be physic even for a philter.

From The Comic Latin Grammar A new and facetious introduction to the Latin tongue by Leech, John

The best philter to excite love is love itself.

From In Both Worlds by Holcombe, William Henry

"Did he ask you for some potion or philter?"

From Marguerite de Valois by Dumas père, Alexandre

Related Words

• draught
• elixir