Brandy
/ˈbrændi/noun
A strong alcoholic spirit distilled from wine or fermented fruit juice.
Did you know?The word comes through Dutch and German trade culture from the idea of wine that had been “burned” in distillation, which is why the name carries the heat of alchemy and fire.
Etymological Timeline
Late 16th Century
Dutch
brandewijn
“distilled wine; literally wine that has been burned”
Late 16th Century
German
Branntwein
“distilled spirit; literally burnt wine”
17th Century
English
brandy
“a distilled spirit, especially from wine”
Modern English
English
brandy
“a strong spirit distilled from wine or fruit juice”