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Dutch courage

noun

: courage artificially stimulated especially by drink
also : drink taken for courage

Word History

First Known Use

1723, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Dutch courage was in 1723

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Cite this Entry

“Dutch courage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Dutch%20courage. Accessed 30 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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