The Collaborative International Dictionary
kumish
Koumiss \Kou"miss\, n. [Russ. kumys; of Mongolian origin.] An intoxicating fermented or distilled liquor originally made by the Tartars of central Asia from mare's or camel's milk.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, kumis, kumish, and kumys.]
Koumiss has from time immemorial served the Tartar
instead of wine or spirits.
--J. H.
Newman.