puce

[ pyoos ]

adjective

1. of a dark or brownish purple.

noun

1. a dark or brownish purple.

puce

/ pjuːs /

noun

1. 1. a colour varying from deep red to dark purplish-brown
   2. ( as adjective )

      a puce carpet

Word History and Origins

Origin of puce¹

1780–90; < French: literally, flea < Latin pūlic-, stem of pūlex

Word History and Origins

Origin of puce¹

C18: shortened from French couleur puce flea colour, from Latin pūlex flea

Example Sentences

It was hard, at this stage, not to feel sorry for the man, not to wince each time the camera panned to his puce-complexioned face.

From The Daily Beast

Madame Bauche was dressed in a new puce silk dress, and looked very magnificent on the occasion.

From Project Gutenberg

Another dress, composed of deep violet or puce-color silk, has the flounces edged also with rows of black velvet.

From Project Gutenberg

Apparently the geranium red costume is Sunday only, the week-day is this maroon, or puce, or madder-brown.

From Project Gutenberg

She wore a puce silk paletot, and a brown hat trimmed with black lace; an unbecoming costume for one so tall.

From Project Gutenberg

Puce colour is communicated by logwood with a little alum; which may be modified by the addition of a little Brazil wood.

From Project Gutenberg