ratafia
noun/ˌɹætəˈfiːə/
Etymology Borrowed from Creole French ratafia, from the Latin phrase rata fiat (conventio) (“the deal is made”), a drinking toast expression to celebrate a deal or an agreement. Or, sharing an Arabic origin with arak.
1
A liqueur or cordial flavored with peach or cherry kernels, bitter almonds, or other fruits.
- “Stop that there infernal screeching!” said a couple of ladies, who were sipping ratafia in company with two pretty fellows.1839, William Makepeace Thackeray, Catherine: A Story:
- Steeped cucumber ratafia with Pimm's and Sprite is garnished with a squash blossom at T'afia in Houston.2007 August 29, Pete Wells, “Bottling the Bounty of the Season”, in New York Times:
2
A kind of biscuit made with ratafia essence and almond or apricot kernels.
- Mrs. Chaloner ordered wine-biscuits and olives, and gave Mr. Freely to understand that she should find his shop a great convenience. So did the doctor’s wife, and so did Mrs. Gate, at the large carding-mill, who, having high connexions frequently visiting her, might be expected to have a large consumption of ratafias and macaroons.1864, George Eliot, chapter II, in Brother Jacob: