Vandyke brown

American  

noun

1. a medium brown color.

2. any of several dark-brown pigments consisting of iron oxide mixed with lampblack or similar materials.

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Vandyke brown British  

noun

1. 1. a moderate brown colour

   2. ( as adjective )

      a Vandyke-brown suit

2. any of various brown pigments, usually consisting of a mixture of ferric oxide and lampblack

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Etymology

Origin of Vandyke brown

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

Some cheap beads and coloured handkerchiefs, and a faint wash of Vandyke brown over face and hands, gave the finishing touches.

From The Madcap of the School by Salmon, Balliol

At present it hung motionless over the dripping-pan, and the goose wore a suit of motley, exhibiting a rich Vandyke brown to the fire, an unhealthy yellow to the window.

From I Saw Three Ships and Other Winter Tales by Quiller-Couch, Arthur Thomas, Sir

A well-fitted doublet and hose, of a grave colour, were partially concealed by a short camlet cloak of Vandyke brown.

From Rob of the Bowl, Vol. I (of 2) A Legend of St. Inigoe's by Kennedy, John P.

The Vandyke brown of the present day is a bituminous ochre, purified by grinding and washing over.

From Field's Chromatography or Treatise on Colours and Pigments as Used by Artists by Salter, Thomas

Vandyke brown is used to color the filler, if none but natural color is to be had.

From Mission Furniture How to Make It, Part 2 by Windsor, H. H. (Henry Haven)