I.nectar, the drink of the gods.
I. Lit.: “non enim ambrosiā deos aut nectare ... laetari, arbitror,” Cic. Tusc. 1, 26, 65; cf. id. N. D. 1, 40, 112; Ov. M. 3, 318; 10, 161; 14, 606; Hor. C. 3, 3, 12; 34 al.: nectaris ambrosii sacrum potare lyaeum, Prud. ap. Symm. 1, 276; as balsam, Ov M. 4, 250; “252: siccato nectare Vulcanus,” Juv. 13, 45.—
II. Poet. transf., of any thing sweet, pleasant, delicious, nectar.—So of fragrant balm, Ov. M. 4, 250; 10, 732.—Of honey: “aliae (apes) purissima mella Stipant et liquido distendunt nectare cellas,” Verg. G. 4, 164.— “Of milk: quid meruistis oves...pleno quae fertis in ubere nectar,” Ov. M. 15, 116; cf.“, of bread and milk: Picentina Ceres niveo sic nectare crescit,” Mart. 13, 47, 1.—Of wine: “vina novum fundam calathis Ariusia nectar,” Verg. E. 5, 71; id. G. 4, 384; Ov. M. 1, 111: “Baccheum,” Stat. S. 2, 2, 99.—Of a pleasant odor: “et nardi florem, nectar qui naribus halat,” Lucr. 2, 848.—Hence, trop., of poetry: “cantare credas Pegaseium nectar,” Pers. prol. 14.
