The Collaborative International Dictionary
Hungary \Hun"ga*ry\, n. A country in Central Europe, formerly a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Hungary water, a distilled ``water,'' made from dilute alcohol aromatized with rosemary flowers, etc.
Wikipedia
Hungary water (sometimes called "the Queen of Hungary's Water") was the first (European) alcohol-based perfume, claimed to date to about the late 14th century. According to legend it was first formulated at the command of a Queen of Hungary, sometimes identified as Isabella but usually as Elisabeth (historically the name Isabella was a variant of Elisabeth, and in the period in question the two were sometimes interchangeable), or in one document "Saint Elisabeth, Queen of Hungary" (this may be a conflation of multiple individuals). These legends, and the documented references to this preparation, mostly date to the early to mid-17th century, so the details may have become confused in the intervening centuries.
The queen in question is frequently assumed to be Elisabeth of Poland (1305–1380), although the particulars of her life do not match those in the more common legends; it is even more unlikely that it could be Saint Elisabeth of Hungary (1207–1231), who is additionally too early and not a queen (note that the technique of distillation only became well known in Europe between about 1150 and 1250). The only plausible Queen Isabella (late 13th century) likewise seems to be too early to be a strong candidate.
The exact date of the invention of Hungary water is lost to history. It is equally unclear who in particular created it. Some sources say that a monk-recluse who first gave it to Elisabeth, though most likely it was made by a court alchemist (who could also have been a monk, thus reconciling the two traditions). The oldest surviving recipes call for distilling fresh rosemary (and possibly thyme) with strong brandy, while later formulations contain lavender, mint, sage, marjoram, costus, orange blossom and lemon.
According to these same legends Hungary water first appeared outside of Hungary in 1370 when Charles V of France, who was famous for his love of fragrances, received some.
Hungary water was known across Europe for many centuries, and until eau de Cologne appeared in the 18th century, it was the most popular fragrance and remedy applied. Similar to other herb and flower-based products, Hungary water was not merely (or even mainly) a fragrance, but also a valuable remedy; the early recipes advise the user to both wash with it and drink it in order to receive the most benefit.
Usage examples of "hungary water".
He walked with the aid of a monstrous decorated pole and he stank of Hungary Water.
Upon the docks a mighty Bustling proceeds, as Waggon-drivers mingle with higher-born couples in Italian chaises, Negroes with hand-barrows, Irish servants with cargo of all sorts upon their backs, running Dogs, rooting Hogs, and underfoot lies all the debris of global Traffick, shreds of spices and teas and coffee-berries, splashes of Geneva gin and Queen-of-Hungary water, oranges and shaddocks fallen and squash'd, seeds that have sprouted between the cobblestones, Pills Balsamic and Universal, ground and scatter'd, down where the Flies convene, and the Spadger hops.
A very queer duck indeed, but handsome in a grisly sort of way, dresses grandly -- expensive cloth -- and scents his hanky with Hungary water.
Bathing Tiffany's temples with Hungary Water, she did her best to mingle sympathy with her unpalatable advice.