GRUEL

coarse meal or groats boiled with water to a proper consistence and strained. It is variously flavored to suit the palate, but the addition of a little white sugar and finely powdered Jamaica Ginger, with or without a gla of sherry, is the least likely to offend the stomach. Nutmegs, cinnamon, etc., frequently disagree with invalids. Milk or butter is also sometimes added. [s. 296]