noun
libation
lye-BAY-shun/laɪˈbeɪʃn/
A drink poured as an offering.
She pours a libation of wine to honor her ancestors.
Etymology
Pouring out an offering originally meant giving wine in honor of a god. The word later extended from that ritual act to liquid poured out to be drunk.
In context
… formally blesses it by pouring a libation of wine over the wood before lighting it.
More examples
- They pour libations onto the ground before the ceremony.
- He offers a libation of water at the family shrine.
- A small bowl holds the libation until the priest pours it.
Forms
libation · libations
Similar words
- offering
- Covers gifts of any kind, not specifically poured drinks.