from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Usquebaugh \Us"que*baugh\, n. [Ir. or Gael. uisge beatha,
literally, water of life; uisge water + beatha life; akin to
Gr. bi`os life. See {Quick}, a., and cf. {Whisky}.]
[1913 Webster]
1. A compound distilled spirit made in Ireland and Scotland;
whisky.
[1913 Webster]
The Scottish returns being vested in grouse, white
hares, pickled salmon, and usquebaugh. --Sir W.
Scott.
[1913 Webster]
2. A liquor compounded of brandy, or other strong spirit,
raisins, cinnamon and other spices. --Brande & C.
[1913 Webster]