from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Koumiss \Kou"miss\, n. [Russ. kumys; of Mongolian origin.]
An intoxicating fermented or distilled liquor originally made
by the Tartars of central Asia from mare's or camel's milk.
It can be obtained from any kind of milk, and is now largely
made in Europe. [Written also {koumyss}, {kumiss}, {kumis},
{kumish}, and {kumys}.]
[1913 Webster]
Koumiss has from time immemorial served the Tartar
instead of wine or spirits. --J. H.
Newman.
[1913 Webster]