Both Uses of
cordial
in
Paradise Lost
- so much the more
His wonder was to find unwakened Eve
With tresses discomposed, and glowing cheek,
As through unquiet rest: He, on his side
Leaning half raised, with looks of cordial love
Hung over her enamoured, and beheld
Beauty, which, whether waking or asleep,
Shot forth peculiar graces;†Book 5 *cordial = friendly
- by which,
Abstract as in a trance, methought I saw,
Though sleeping, where I lay, and saw the shape
Still glorious before whom awake I stood:
Who stooping opened my left side, and took
From thence a rib, with cordial spirits warm,
And life-blood streaming fresh;†Book 8
Definitions:
-
(1)
(cordial as in: a cordial reception) friendly -- usually warm and heartfelt, but possibly only polite
-
(2)
(meaning too rare to warrant focus) meaning too rare to warrant focus:
Less commonly, "cordial" can refer to a sweet drink. The drink can be non-alcoholic or alcoholic depending upon region and context.