\Spir"it*u*ous\, a. [Cf. (for sense 2) F. spiritueux.
Cf. {Spiritous}.]
1. Having the quality of spirit; tenuous in substance, and
   having active powers or properties; ethereal; immaterial;
   spiritual; pure.

2. Containing, or of the nature of, alcoholic (esp.
   distilled) spirit; consisting of refined spirit;
   alcoholic; ardent; as, spirituous liquors.

3. Lively; gay; vivid; airy. [Obs.] --Sir H. Wotton.

         The mind of man is of that spirituous, stirring
         nature, that it is perpetually at work. --South.