orris
1or or·rice
an iris, Iris germanica florentina, having a fragrant rootstock.
Origin of orris
1Words Nearby orris
Other definitions for orris (2 of 2)
a lace or braid made of gold or silver, much used in the 18th century.
a galloon used in upholstering.
Origin of orris
2Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use orris in a sentence
The best tooth-powders are made from cuttle-fish, prepared chalk, and orris-root commingled together in equal quantities.
The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness | Florence HartleyHe kept his face against her hair, soft and silky, and fragrant with orris—forgetting himself utterly in his loving pity for her.
The White Shield | Myrtle Reedorris, or′is, n. a peculiar kind of gold or silver lace: upholsterers' galloon and gimp.
orris root, which is used in perfumery, is the stem of the Iris florentina.
The Romance of Plant Life | G. F. Scott ElliotIt was as soft as satin, and smelt faintly of orris, and her fingers closed on his with a little friendly pressure.
The Transgression of Andrew Vane | Guy Wetmore Carryl
British Dictionary definitions for orris (1 of 2)
orrice
/ (ˈɒrɪs) /
any of various irises, esp Iris florentina, that have fragrant rhizomes
Also called: 'orrisroot the rhizome of such a plant, prepared and used as perfume
Origin of orris
1British Dictionary definitions for orris (2 of 2)
/ (ˈɒrɪs) /
a kind of lace made of gold or silver, used esp in the 18th century
Origin of orris
2Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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