and yes usquebaugh is erse. two words.
usque baugh
usque means water

baugh is usually translated as "life" making usquebaugh water(of)life

but i read in some book on gaelic that baugh was related to the word for navel-- it was the idea of "being born" or born again.. of continuing life..
in the expression "erin go brah" brah is a related word, and is usually translated as "forever"
so usquebaugh could be "the water that makes you for get about all time" -- or even "the water that make you act like a newborn"

Since they thought the precious metals or crushed gems would enhance and fortify one's health, those translations sound pretty spot on...thanks, of troy.


living history Tudor kitchen

And all you Brits on the board (and NZ ex-pats, ahem) who are interested, now have the oportunity to visit an authentic working Tudor kitchen and sample the food (link supplied by a friend on the board):

http://www.wealddown.co.uk/dawn-of-tudor-cooking-2.htm