Libation
/laɪˈbeɪ.ʃən/noun
A ritual pouring of a liquid as an offering to a deity or spirit.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, libations were poured out to honor the gods and were thought to bridge the gap between the mortal and divine realms, inviting favor and protection.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*leip-
“to pour, to flow”
Ancient Greek
Greek
λειψάνομαι (leipsanomai)
“to pour out or offer (liquid)”
Latin
Latin
libatio
“a pouring out, especially of wine in a religious context”
Old French
Old French
libacion
“the action of pouring out as an offering”
Middle English
Middle English
libacioun
“the act of pouring out a drink as a ceremonial offering”
Modern English
English
libation
“a ceremonial act of pouring a liquid as an offering or tribute”