\Kou"miss\, n. [Russ. kumys; of Mongolian origin.]
An intoxicating fermented or distilled liquor originally made
by the Tartars from mare's or camel's milk. It can be
obtained from any kind of milk, and is now largely made in
Europe. [Written also {koumyss}, {kumiss}, {kumish}, and
{kumys}.]
      Koumiss has from time immemorial served the Tartar
      instead of wine or spirits.              --J. H.
                                               Newman.