\Ne*pen"the\, n. [Fr. Gr. ? removing all sorrow; hence,
an epithet of an Egyptian drug which lulled sorrow for the
day; ? not + ? sorrow, grief.]
A drug used by the ancients to give relief from pain and
sorrow; -- by some supposed to have been opium or hasheesh.
Hence, anything soothing and comforting.

      Lulled with the sweet nepenthe of a court. --Pope.

      Quaff, O quaff this kind nepenthe.       --Poe.