sherbet

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree Arabic شَرِبَ (šariba)der. Arabic شَرْبَة (šarba)bor. Classical Persian شَرْبَت (šarbat)bor. Ottoman Turkish شربت (şerbet)bor. English sherbet Borrowed from Ottoman Turkish شربت (şerbet), borrowed from Classical Persian شَرْبَت (šarbat), borrowed from Arabic شَرْبَة (šarba), from شَرِبَ (šariba). Doublet of sorbet and sharbat, related to syrup.

1. A dessert of frozen fruit juice with a dairy product such as milk added; a sorbet with dairy ingredients.
2. An effervescent powder made of bicarbonate of soda, sugar and flavourings, intended to be eaten alone or mixed with water to make a drink.
3. A traditional West and South Asian sweet drink prepared from fruits or flower petals.

   “Directly they were trotted off in their little pea-green and gilt carriage, guardian negress and all, I went into the shop, about which I had all this time been loafingly prowling, and called, clapping my hands, for some violet sherbet, […]”

   “Tea is becoming a favourite drink in Turkey, not instead of coffee, but of the sherbet or cool drinks that are handed to guests; it comes generally from Russia, and although a trifle dear on account of the carriage, is extremely good, when properly made.”

4. An alcoholic drink, especially beer.

   “All the dealers would steam into his cabin for a few sherbets after work, and to listen to his bollocks.”