chowder n OED ~ sb: ~ beer (1828). Attrib chowder beer, chouder ~ ; also chowder: a concoction of black-spruce boughs, molasses, etc, drunk to prevent scurvy; SPRUCE BEER.
   1745 CAREW 100 ... and applying to Lady Mules in the Character of a Newfoundland man; she particularly enquired of the Drink made Use of in that Country, and he being able to give an Account of their Method of making their Chouder-Beer, and the ingredients whereof it is made, this whimsical Gentlewoman generously relieved and entertained him, and brought him a Cup of that Country Liquor which was of her own brewing. 1823 CRABB Chowder (med.) an antiscorbutic used on the Newfoundland station.

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