E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Tartar,
the deposit of wine, means “infernal stuff,” being derived from the word Tar’taros (q.v.). Paracelsus says, “It is so called because it produces oil, water, tincture, and salt, which burn the patient as the fires of Tartarus burn.”
