Ratafia \Rat`a*fi"a\, n. [F., fr. Malay arak arrack + t[=a]f[=i]a a spirit distilled from molasses.]

A spirituous liquor flavored with the kernels of cherries, apricots, peaches, or other fruit, spiced, and sweetened with sugar; -- a term applied to the liqueurs called noyau, cura[,c]ao, etc. [Written also ratifia and ratafee.]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)