nepenthe

1 definition found

nepenthe - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Nepenthe \Ne*pen"the\, n. [Fr. Gr. ? removing all sorrow; hence,
     an epithet of an Egyptian drug which lulled sorrow for the
     day; ? not + ? sorrow, grief.]
     A drug used by the ancients to give relief from pain and
     sorrow; -- by some supposed to have been opium or hasheesh.
     Hence, anything soothing and comforting.
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           Lulled with the sweet nepenthe of a court. --Pope.
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           Quaff, O quaff this kind nepenthe.       --Poe.
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