ˈbu̇r]bən, ˈbōr], ˈbȯr], ˈbu̇ə], ˈbōə], ˈbȯ(ə)]; ˈbər] or ˈbə̄] is usual for sense 4 and sometimes occurs for the other senses noun
( -s )
Etymology: Bourbon, seigniory in central France
1. capitalized : a member of a French family founded in 1272 by Robert, Count of Clermont, to which belonged the rulers of France from 1589 (Henry IV) to 1793 and from 1814 to 1830, of Spain from 1700 (Philip V) to 1808, from 1814 to 1868, from 1875 to 1931, and from 1975, of Naples from 1735 (Charles III) to 1805, and of the Two Sicilies from 1815 (Ferdinand I) to 1860
2. usually capitalized
[after Bourbon, French royal family, from Bourbon, seigniory in central France]
: a person who clings obstinately to the social and political ideas of the old order of things : reactionary , conservative ; specifically : an extremely conservative member of the Democratic party of the U.S.
the Bourbons refused to consider the proposal
3. or bourbon rose
[ Bourbon (now Réunion), French island in the Indian ocean, after Bourbon, French royal family]
a. : a rose ( Rosa borboniana ) that is generally considered an accidental hybrid between the China rose and the French rose and is of compact upright growth with shining leaves, prickly branches, and clustered flowers
b. : any of various cultivated roses derived from the bourbon rose and typically being hardy and recurrent-blooming
4. or bourbon whiskey
[ Bourbon county, Kentucky]
: a whiskey distilled from corn mash ; specifically : a whiskey distilled from a mash containing at least 51 percent corn, the rest being malt and rye, and aged in new charred oak containers — compare corn whiskey
5.
[perhaps from Bourbon (now Réunion)]
: a Santos coffee of a superior grade