potation

noun

1. (countable, in-plural, often, uncountable)The act of drinking.

   “[…] perhaps his nocturnal potations, prevented him from recognizing accents which were tolerably familiar to him—[…]”

   “[…] a quiet evening at home, alone with a friend and a pipe or two, and a humble potation of British spirits, […]”

   “Slim, blond, and good-looking in his youth, he became somewhat bloated in middle age, and his potations did not improve his appearance.”

2. (countable, uncountable)A drink, especially an alcoholic beverage.

   “For as this is the Liquor of modern Hiſtorians, nay, perhaps their Muſe, if we may believe the Opinion of Butler, who attributes Inſpiration to Ale, it ought likewiſe to be the Potation of their Readers; ſince every Book ought to be read with the ſame Spirit, and in the ſame Manner, as it is writ.”

   ““Do Veniam,” said his Superior; and the old man seized, with a trembling hand, a beverage to which he had been long unaccustomed, drained the cup with protracted delight, as if dwelling on the flavour and perfume, and set it down with a melancholy smile and shake of the head, as if bidding adieu in future to such delicious potations.”

   “Peter accepted the condition and slept off his potations and was up and briskly about his work next morning, causing Rita to reflect that such lapses were to be expected as a periodical visitation on Peter's industry, and could be counted as the cause of his derelict and vagabond existence.”

   “The other potation was a juice made from grapes, pears and banana, drunk with pleasure at that greatest of rarities: a restaurant featuring healthy grub that actually tastes good.”

   “I sipped my potation in one section of the bar, only to be told that it was reserved for a corporate party.”