ratafia
A liqueur or cordial flavored with peach or cherry kernels, bitter almonds, or other fruits.
countable, uncountable
“Stop that there infernal screeching!” said a couple of ladies, who were sipping ratafia in company with two pretty fellows.
A kind of biscuit made with ratafia essence and almond or apricot kernels.
countable
Mrs. Chaloner ordered wine-biscuits and olives, and gave Mr. Freely to understand that she should find his shop a great convenience. So did the doctor’s wife, and so did Mrs. Gate, at the large carding-mill, who, having high connexions frequently visiting her, might be expected to have a large consumption of ratafias and macaroons.
Where it comes from
Borrowed from Creole French ratafia, from the Latin phrase rata fiat (conventio) (“the deal is made”), a drinking toast expression to celebrate a deal or an agreement. Or, sharing an Arabic origin with arak.
Adapted from the Wiktionary entry ratafia (CC BY-SA 4.0).