orchil

[ awr-kil, -chil ]

noun

1. a violet coloring matter obtained from certain lichens, chiefly species of Roccella.
2. any lichen yielding this dye.

orchil

/ -tʃɪl; ˈɔːkɪl /

noun

1. any of various lichens, esp any of the genera Roccella, Dendrographa, and Lecanora
2. Also calledcudbear a purplish dye obtained by treating these lichens with aqueous ammonia: contains orcinol, orcein, and litmus

Word History and Origins

Origin of orchil¹

Borrowed into English from Old French around 1475–85

Word History and Origins

Origin of orchil¹

C15: from Old French orcheil, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

The purple vegetable dyestuff orchil belongs to this class.

From Project Gutenberg

It was about this time, too, that a Florentine named Rucellai rediscovered the method of making the purple dye orchil from certain lichens of Asia Minor.

From Project Gutenberg

Much orchil was formerly gathered, and there is good pasturage for the numerous herds of cattle.

From Project Gutenberg

The principal natural product in this region is orchil, or Spanish moss, but by means of irrigation the soil produces a considerable variety of products, including sugar cane, cotton, cassava, cereals, tobacco and grapes.

From Project Gutenberg

Withering asserts it yields a purple dye, paler, but more permanent, than orchil; which is prepared in Iceland by steeping in stale lye, adding a little salt and making it up into balls with lime.

From Project Gutenberg