orchil

American  

[awr-kil, -chil] / ˈɔr kɪl, -tʃɪl /

noun

1. a violet coloring matter obtained from certain lichens, chiefly species of Roccella.

2. any lichen yielding this dye.

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orchil British  

/ -tʃɪl, ˈɔːkɪl /

noun

1. any of various lichens, esp any of the genera Roccella, Dendrographa, and Lecanora

2. Also called: cudbear.  a purplish dye obtained by treating these lichens with aqueous ammonia: contains orcinol, orcein, and litmus

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Etymology

Origin of orchil

Borrowed into English from Old French around 1475–85

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

orchil

The purple vegetable dyestuff orchil belongs to this class.

From The New Gresham Encyclopedia Volume 4, Part 1: Deposition to Eberswalde by Various

To distinguish between them apply solution of hydrate of lime, whereby a change to gray, followed by complete decoloration indicates logwood, and a change to violet-blue, orchil.

From Forty Centuries of Ink or, a chronological narrative concerning ink and its backgrounds, introducing incidental observations and deductions, parallels of time and color phenomena, bibliography, chemistry, poetical effusions, citations, anecdotes and curiosa together with some evidence respecting the evanescent character of most inks of to-day and an epitome of chemico-legal ink. by Carvalho, David Nunes

The principal natural product in this region is orchil, or Spanish moss, but by means of irrigation the soil produces a considerable variety of products, including sugar cane, cotton, cassava, cereals, tobacco and grapes.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 1 "Calhoun" to "Camoens" by Various

Specimens of varieties of the lichens used in the manufacture of cudbear, orchil and litmus, and of the substance obtained, were also shown in the British department, which were awarded prize medals.

From The Commercial Products of the Vegetable Kingdom Considered in Their Various Uses to Man and in Their Relation to the Arts and Manufactures; Forming a Practical Treatise & Handbook of Reference for the Colonist, Manufacturer, Merchant, and Consumer, on the Cultivation, Preparation for Shipment, and Commercial Value, &c. of the Various Substances Obtained From Trees and Plants, Entering into the Husbandry of Tropical and Sub-tropical Regions, &c. by Simmonds, P. L.

Withering asserts it yields a purple dye, paler, but more permanent, than orchil; which is prepared in Iceland by steeping in stale lye, adding a little salt and making it up into balls with lime.

From Vegetable Dyes Being a Book of Recipes and Other Information Useful to the Dyer by Mairet, Ethel M.