I. ˈhethə(r) noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English (northern dialect) hather, hadder, probably modification of heth, heeth heath, heather — more at heath
1.
a. : heath 1b ; especially : a common erect to almost prostrate evergreen heath ( Calluna vulgaris ) of northern and alpine regions that has small crowded sessile leaves and racemes of tiny usually purplish pink flowers
b. : beach heather
c. : crowberry 1a
2.
a. also heather purple : a grayish reddish purple that is bluer, stronger, and slightly lighter than campanula violet and bluer, lighter, and stronger than livid purple
b. : a grayish to moderate purplish red that is redder and darker than daphne red
II. adjective
1. : of, relating to, prepared from, or like heather
2. : having flecks or a mingling of various colors — used chiefly of woolen yarns and fabrics
a soft heather tweed
3. : of the color heather