Etymology

Noun

1. The Eucharist, when given to a person who is dying or one in danger of death.
2. Provisions, money, or other supplies given to someone setting off on a long journey (often figurative).
   • 1885, Sir Richard Burton, The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Night 20:

     Towards night-fall he entered a town called Sa’adiyah where he alighted and took out somewhat of his viaticum and ate

   • 1971, Anthony Burgess, M/F, Penguin 2004, p. 184:

     That viaticum I had been made to drink had undoubtedly been spiked with cantharides or something

Etymology

Noun

1. travelling-money; provision for a journey
2. a journey
3. resources; means
4. money made abroad, especially as a soldier, or used to travel abroad

Related terms

• via
• viāticus
• viātor
• viātōrius