Origin: 1820–30;fire + water; probably a translation of an expression in an Algonquian language, as Ojibwaiškote·wa·po· whiskey (earlier, other distilled liquors), equivalent to iškote·w-, combining form of iškote· fire + -a·po· liquid
n. whiskey. (From cowboy and Indian talk.) : This firewater leaves a lot to be desired.
Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions by Richard A. Spears.Fourth Edition. Copyright 2007. Published by McGraw Hill.
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Example sentences
On-road specification diesel will be the only fuel for the emergency generator and firewater pump.
The wastewater can then be used as make-up water for the firewater system as necessary or discharged.
Only ultra low sulfur diesel fuel shall be fired in the emergency generator and the firewater pump.
The only source of other pollutants will be an emergency firewater pump that will operate on diesel fuel.
The dining room is casual, the food simple but generous, with wine from nearby and the offer of some firewater after dinner.