Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Koumiss \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   An intoxicating fermented or distilled liquor originally made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.