noun
also mez·cal (ˈ)me|skal, mə̇ˈs-
( -s )
Etymology: Spanish mescal, mezcal, mexcal, from Nahuatl mexcalli mescal (liquor), from metl maguey + xcalli, short for ixcalli stew, decoction
1. : a small cactus ( Lophophora williamsii ) with rounded stems covered with jointed tubercles that is used as a stimulant and antispasmodic especially among the Mexican Indians who also employ it as a mild intoxicant in various ceremonies — see mescal button , peyote
2.
a. : a usually colorless Mexican liquor distilled especially from the central leaves of maguey plants after they have been roasted and fermented — compare sotol , tequila ; see pulque
b. : a plant from which mescal is produced ; especially : maguey
[s]mescal.jpg[/s] [
mescal 1
]