E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Abste’mious,
according to Fabius and Aulus Gellius, is compounded of abs and teme’tum. “Teme’tum” was a strong, intoxicating drink, allied to the Greek methu (strong drink).
1
“Vinum pris’ca lingua temtum appellabant.”—Aulus Gettius, x. 23.
tum appellabant.”—Aulus Gettius, x. 23.
