libation

/laɪˈbeɪʃən/

Other forms: libations

Certain ceremonies require dumping a little bit of liquid, usually alcohol, onto the ground. It might seem wasteful, but it’s really a powerful symbolic act called a libation — and it’s worth every drop.

In ancient Greece, anyone could make a libation as a sacrifice in hopes that the gods would see it and be pleased. Today some people offer libations in memory of a loved one that has died. One sip for you, one for your homies, as the saying goes. Libation is also a joke term for an alcoholic drink, so you could make a cocktail and call it "a libation."

Definitions of libation

1. noun

   the act of pouring a liquid offering (especially wine) as a religious ceremony
   type of:

   religious ceremony, religious ritual

   a ceremony having religious meaning
2. noun

   a serving (of wine) poured out in honor of a deity
   type of:

   helping, portion, serving

   an individual quantity of food or drink taken as part of a meal
3. noun

   (facetious) a serving of an alcoholic beverage
   type of:

   drink

   a single serving of a beverage