n.
- a colour that is a mixture of red and blue.
-
(also Tyrian purple)
a crimson dye obtained from some molluscs, formerly used for fabric worn by an emperor or senior magistrate in ancient Rome or Byzantium.
▸
(the purple)
(in ancient Rome) a position of rank, authority, or privilege.
- the scarlet official dress of a cardinal.
adj.
of the colour purple.
v.
become or make purple in colour.
Phrase
- born in
(or to)
the purple
born into a reigning family or privileged class.
Derivative
- purpleness n.
- purplish adj.
- purply adj.
Etymology
OE, alt. of purpre, from L. purpura ‘purple’, from Gk porphura, denoting molluscs that yielded a crimson dye, also cloth dyed with this.
