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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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punch
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A drink mixing alcohol (most often wine) with fruit juice and spices, usually now served hot. It was much drunk by British sailors in the 17C and was associated in particular with India (the origin of the name is unknown but an early theory was that a punch should have five ingredients, panj being an Indian word for five). A French definition of 1653 is irresistible: 'Bolleponge est un mot Anglois, qui signifie une boisson dont les Anglois usent aux Indes faite de sucre, suc de limon, eau de vie, fleur de muscade, & biscuit rosty' (Bowl-punch is an English word, signifying a drink which the English use in India made of sugar, lemon juice, brandy, muscatel, and roast biscuit).
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