Emily Dickinson Lexicon

LI-BA'TION, n. [L. libatio, from libo, to pour out, to taste; Gr. λειβω.]

1. The act of pouring a liquor, usually wine, either on the ground, or on a victim in sacrifice, in honor of some deity. The Hebrews, Greeks and Romans practiced libation. This was a solemn act and accompanied with prayer. – Encyc.
2. The wine or other liquor poured out in honor of a deity. – Stillingfleet. Dryden.