Philter
Noun
- A drink supposed to arouse love and desire for a particular person in the drinker; a love potion.
Example Sentences
“In many classic stage comedies, lovelorn characters use philters with unexpected and hilarious results.”
“Charles was so enraptured with Justina that he felt like he’d drunk a philter.”
“Fairy tales are full of philters and magic potions that make people fall in love.”
Word Origin
Greek, late 16th century
Why this word?
“Philter” entered English in the 18th century through the Middle French “philtre,” also meaning “love potion.” However, the original basis for the word is the ancient Greek “phíltron,” meaning “love charm.” In Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the mischievous sprite Puck applies a philter to the eyes of sleeping fairy queen Titania. The proud and serious Titania wakes and falls desperately in love with the first living thing she sees: Nick Bottom, a weaver whose head Puck has turned into that of a donkey.