proof spirit

noun

1. an alcoholic liquor, or mixture of alcohol and water, containing a standard amount of alcohol. In the U.S. proof spirit has a specific gravity of .93353 (containing one half of its volume of alcohol of a specific gravity of .7939 at 60° F). In Britain proof spirit has a specific gravity of .91984.

proof spirit

noun

1. (in Britain and Canada) a mixture of alcohol and water or an alcoholic beverage that contains 49.28 per cent of alcohol by weight, 57.1 per cent by volume at 51°F: up until 1980 used as a standard of alcoholic liquids
2. (in the US) a similar standard mixture containing 50 per cent of alcohol by volume at 60°F

Word History and Origins

Origin of proof spirit¹

First recorded in 1735–45

Example Sentences

From tincture of guarana (seeds of Paullinia sorbilis), prepared by coction with proof spirit.

From Project Gutenberg

From cubebs and proof spirit, equal parts, by percolation; without subsequent evaporation.

From Project Gutenberg

From a tincture prepared with proof spirit and water, equal parts.

From Project Gutenberg

From a tincture prepared from the dried tops of wormwood boiled in proof spirit.

From Project Gutenberg

A better extract is prepared from the common tincture made with proof spirit.

From Project Gutenberg