Legal Definitions - dram

A "dram" refers to a small quantity of something. Historically, it was a specific unit of fluid measurement used in apothecaries, equivalent to one-eighth of an ounce. More commonly today, it refers to a small serving of an alcoholic beverage, particularly spirits, or more generally, a very small amount of anything.

• Example 1 (Small serving of liquor):

  After a long day of negotiations, the attorney poured a modest dram of whiskey, finding a moment of quiet reflection before preparing for the next day's proceedings.

  Explanation: Here, "dram" is used in its common modern sense to denote a small, measured portion of an alcoholic drink, often enjoyed for its quality rather than quantity.

• Example 2 (Regulated small serving of liquor):

  During the distillery tour, visitors were offered a complimentary dram of their premium aged Scotch, with the sample size carefully controlled to comply with local alcohol tasting regulations.

  Explanation: This example illustrates "dram" referring to a small, specific quantity of liquor, often in a commercial or regulated setting where portion control is important.

• Example 3 (General small amount of a substance):

  The forensic chemist meticulously extracted a mere dram of the unknown liquid from the crime scene sample, knowing that even this tiny amount would be sufficient for detailed analysis.

  Explanation: In this context, "dram" signifies a very small, precise quantity of a substance, emphasizing its minimal volume but significant importance for examination.