pastis
UK[ˈpæstɪs]US[pæsˈtiːs]
n
An anise-flavored alcoholic spirit, typically drunk diluted with water, which turns it a milky white color.
Etymology
The word 'pastis' entered English directly from French in the 20th century. The French term itself originates from the Occitan word 'pastís', meaning a "mash-up" or "mixture," which in turn derives from the Vulgar Latin 'pastīcium', a kind of pie or pastry, from Latin 'pasta' meaning "dough" or "paste." The semantic shift from a mixed pastry to a mixed drink is rooted in the drink's nature as a compounded liqueur. The name was popularized by the most famous brand, Pernod, after the French ban on absinthe, leading 'pastis' to become the generic term for its anise-flavored successor.
Analysis
This word is a direct loanword from French and is not productively segmented using English morphemes. Its components are not transparent to an English speaker without etymological knowledge.
Examples
He sat at the café, slowly adding water to his glass of pastis.
Pastis is traditionally served with a jug of cold water and ice cubes.
The distinctive licorice aroma of pastis filled the air.