E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Love-powders or Potions
were drugs to excite lust. Once these lovecharms were generally believed in; thus, Brabantio accuses Othello of having bewitched Desdemona with “drugs to waken motion;” and Lady Grey was accused of having bewitched Edward IV. “by strange potions and amorous charms.” (Fabian, p. 495.)
