philter

Philter, also spelled philtre or philter, is a term for a charm, potion, or talisman believed to influence another person's romantic feelings, typically to induce love or attraction toward the bearer. In folklore and early modern fantasy, philters are described as ingested drinks, magical brews, or written charms that compel affection. The word's English use dates from the medieval period, and while its precise etymology is uncertain, it is commonly linked to ancient notions of love charms and magical remedies.

Historically, philters appear in many cultures' legends and in classical and medieval literature as devices for influencing interpersonal desire. In English drama and prose, love potions are a recurring motif; one well-known example is the love-potion in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, where a magical flower and its juice are used to complicate romantic affections.

In modern usage, philter is primarily a literary or antiquarian term; it also appears in fantasy fiction and role-playing games to denote a magical concoction that provokes attraction. In scientific or ethical discussions, the concept is generally treated as a fictional device rather than a real-world practice, though historical records describe aphrodisiac substances and charms associated with love magic.