four thieves' vinegar

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English

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Etymology

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From the story that thieves, by using it, were enabled to plunder, with impunity to health, in the great plague at London. Possibly originally a corruption of "Forthave's vinegar", Richard Forthave being the publisher of an early recipe.

Noun

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four thieves' vinegar (uncountable)

  1. (UK, archaic) Vinegar mixed with camphor and essential oils, formerly used as medicine.

Synonyms

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