n., adj., & v.
n. 1 a colour intermediate between red and blue. 2 (in full Tyrian purple) a crimson dye obtained from some molluscs. 3 a purple robe, esp. as the dress of an emperor or senior magistrate. 4 the scarlet official dress of a cardinal. 5 (prec. by the) a position of rank, authority, or privilege.
adj. of a purple colour.
v.tr. & intr. make or become purple. born in the purple 1 born into a reigning family. 2 belonging to the most privileged class. purple emperor a large butterfly, Apatura iris, with purple wings. purple heart Brit. colloq. a heart-shaped stimulant tablet, esp. of amphetamine. Purple Heart (in the US) a decoration for those wounded in action. purple passage (or patch) 1 an ornate or elaborate passage in a literary composition. 2 Austral. colloq. a piece of luck or success. purpleness n. purplish adj. purply adj.
[ OE alt. f. purpure purpuran f. L purpura (as PURPURA) ]