orris

¹ American  

[awr-is, or-] / ˈɔr ɪs, ˈɒr- /

Or orrice

noun

1. an iris, Iris germanica florentina, having a fragrant rootstock.

---

orris ² American  

[awr-is, or-] / ˈɔr ɪs, ˈɒr- /

noun

1. a lace or braid made of gold or silver, much used in the 18th century.

2. a galloon used in upholstering.

---

orris ¹ British  

/ ˈɒrɪs /

noun

1. any of various irises, esp Iris florentina, that have fragrant rhizomes

2. Also called: 'orrisroot.  the rhizome of such a plant, prepared and used as perfume

---

orris ² British  

/ ˈɒrɪs /

noun

1. a kind of lace made of gold or silver, used esp in the 18th century

---

Etymology

Origin of orris¹

First recorded in 1535–45; unexplained alteration of iris

Origin of orris²

1695–1705; perhaps alteration (by influence of arras tapestry) of earlier orfrays orphrey

Example Sentences

The notes range from ginger to orris root, white cedar and vetiver.

From Los Angeles Times

And I think that's because it has orris root in it, which is very earthy.

From Salon

Other notes come from orris root blended with patchouli; its inherent headiness is tempered by the freshness of jasmine.

From Los Angeles Times

Her parents’ love affair serving as the muse, Love Relentlessly leads with pink pepper, rose and orris before revealing notes of patchouli and ambertonic.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Morandin worked with the City of London Distillery to revive a classic recipe, using botanicals like juniper, coriander, angelica root, orris root, cassia bark and orange peel.

From New York Times