■ noun
1》 a colour intermediate between red and blue.
2》 (also Tyrian ~ ) a crimson dye obtained from some molluscs, formerly used for fabric worn by an emperor or senior magistrate in ancient Rome or Byzantium.
↘( the ~ ) (in ancient Rome) a position of rank, authority, or privilege.
3》 the scarlet official dress of a cardinal.
■ adjective of the colour ~.
■ verb become or make ~ in colour.
Phrases
born in (or to ) the ~ born into a reigning family or privileged class.
Derivatives
~ness noun
purplish adjective
purply adjective
Origin
OE, alt. of purpre , from L. purpura '~', from Gk porphura , denoting molluscs that yielded a crimson dye, also cloth dyed with this.