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

Roccella, rok-sel′a, n. a genus of parmeliaceous lichens, yielding dyers' archil or orchil.

From Project Gutenberg

Litmus is also obtained from the same lichens as yield orchil.

From Project Gutenberg

Cochineal is turned by the potassa to a violet-red, orchil to a violet-blue, and alkanet to a decided blue.

From Project Gutenberg

The acid turns logwood violet to a fine red, and equally reddens orchil violet.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg