Dictionary entry

Libation

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Li‐ba″tion (lī̍‐bā″shŭn), n. [L. libatio, fr. libare to take a little from anything, to taste, to pour out as an offering: cf. F. libation.] The act of pouring a liquid or liquor, usually wine, either on the ground or on a victim in sacrifice, in honor of some deity; also, the wine or liquid thus poured out. Dryden.

A heathen sacrifice or libation to the earth. Bacon.