alˈkərmēz, -mə̇s; ˌalkərˈmes noun
( -es )
Etymology: French alkermès, from Spanish alkermes (now usually alquermes ), from Arabic al-qirmiz the alkermes — more at crimson
1. obsolete : the kermes insect
2. : an originally Italian liqueur made of brandy flavored with bay leaves, mace, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon and colored a brilliant red with the kermes insect or with cochineal