(a) A fluid dram (= 1/8 fluid ounce) of medicine, etc.; hence (b) A small draught of cordial, stimulant, or spirituous liquor. Also figurative.

A certain measure of arrack.

Originally U.S. A quantity of a liquid (typically an alcoholic drink, esp. a spirit) in a glass, bottle, etc., measured with reference to the…

As much as fills a glass (sense 5).

Short for. four-pennyworth (of spirits).

Originally: †a half-pint or less of ale (obsolete). In later use: a small quantity of spirits, usually less than a glass; a small measure or sip of…

= Half-pint, half-gill of spirits.

slang or colloquial. Two pennyworth (of spirits).

A (small) quantity of intoxicating liquor, a drink, a ‘nip’. colloquial (originally U.S.).

In technical and elliptical uses. A drink of spirits of three times the standard measure.

Short for balloon glass n. at compounds 2. Cf. ballon, n.2 2.

= treble, n. 2j.

colloquial (originally Anglo-Indian). Originally: a drink of brandy and soda water. Later more generally: a (usually alcoholic) drink, esp. of…