nepenthe

Definition

Alternative form of nepenthes (“a drug that relieves one of emotional pain, grief or sorrow”).

Etymology

A back-formation from nepenthes.

Example Sentences

• "And in her other hand a cup ſhe hild, The which was with Nepenthe to the brim vpfild. Nepenthe is a drinck of ſouerayne grace, Deuized by the Gods, for to aſſwage Harts grief, and bitter gall away to chace, VVhich ſtirs vp anguiſh and contentious rage: In ſtead thereof ſweet peace and quiet age It doth eſtablish in the troubled mynd."
• ""Wretch," I cried, "thy God hath lent thee—by these angels he hath sent thee Respite—respite and Nepenthe, from thy memories of Lenore. Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe and forget this lost Lenore!""