Dictionary

dillwater en · NOUN

Etymology

From dill + water.

Meanings

1. (uncountable) A liquid produced by infusing dillseed in water (generally used medicinally, particularly to treat colic or flatulence in infants).
   • […] Sally was in good health and spirits […] and earnestly desirous of “doing her best for the child she had nursed when pap and dillwater was its daily bread.” 1864, Mark Lemon, chapter 1, in Loved at Last, volume 3, London: Bradbury & Evans, page 14:
   • Dill-water—all the suff’ring babes yowling for it. 1908, H. G. Wells, chapter 3, in Tono-Bungay, Toronto: Macmillan, page 76:
   • 1805, Michael Underwood, A Treatise on the Diseases of Children, London: J. Callow, 5th edition, Volume 1, “Disorders arising from Constipation and Wind,” p. 56, If any flatulency should still remain […] a little dill-water, is a very safe and gentle carminative […]
   • “I’ll have to go before very long. Jennifer’s teething, and been crying for two bloody days. I told Mary I was sorry I’d got to go on board today, but I’d be back by five.” Dwight smiled. “Left her to hold the baby.” Peter nodded. “I got her a garden rake and a bottle of dillwater. But I must be back by five.” 1957, Neville Shute, chapter 8, in On the Beach, New York: William Morrow:
   • 1687, David Abercromby, Academia Scientarum, or, The Academy of Sciences, London: J. Taylor et al., Section 21, p. 124, The Vomitory, whether milder ones, as Sarabacca Leaves bruised in Dill Water, or stronger ones, as the Spirit of Tobacco […]

Forms

Relateds

gripe water