from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Brandy \Bran"dy\, n.; pl. {Brandies}. [From older brandywine,
brandwine, fr. D. brandewijn, fr. p. p. of branden to burn,
distill + wijn wine, akin to G. branntwein. See {Brand}.]
A strong alcoholic liquor distilled from wine. The name is
also given to spirit distilled from other liquors, and in the
United States to that distilled from cider and peaches. In
northern Europe, it is also applied to a spirit obtained from
grain.
[1913 Webster]
{Brandy fruit}, fruit preserved in brandy and sugar.
[1913 Webster]
from
The Devil's Dictionary (1881-1906)
BRANDY, n. A cordial composed of one part thunder-and-lightning, one
part remorse, two parts bloody murder, one part death-hell-and-the-
grave and four parts clarified Satan. Dose, a headful all the time.
Brandy is said by Dr. Johnson to be the drink of heroes. Only a hero
will venture to drink it.