Tot
/tɒt/noun
A small amount of liquor, especially a shot of spirits.
Did you know?The word first shows up in English as a dialect term for a small quantity, and by the 18th century it was especially used for a small serving of spirits, making it a perfect example of a word shrinking into a drink.
Etymological Timeline
Old English / Early Germanic
Germanic
*tutt- / *tot-
“A small or little thing; a tiny amount”
15th–16th Century
English
tot
“A small child or little one; a small amount”
18th Century
English
tot
“A small measure or serving of liquor”
Modern English
English
tot
“A small amount, especially of alcoholic drink; also a small child”