nepenthe Meaning, Definition & Usage

Ne*pen"the noun
Etymology
Fr. Gr. removing all sorrow; hence, an epithet of an Egyptian drug which lulled sorrow for the day; not + sorrow, grief.
Definitions
  1. A drug used by the ancients to give relief from pain and sorrow; -- by some supposed to have been opium or hasheesh. Hence, anything soothing and comforting.
    Lulled with the sweet nepenthe of a court. Pope.
    Quaff, O quaff this kind nepenthe. Poe.

Webster 1913