purple

Definition

A colour between red and blue; violet, though often closer to magenta.

Etymology

From Middle English purple, purpel, from Old English purpul (“purple”, adjective), taken from Old English purpure (“purple colour”, noun), from Latin purpura (“purple dye, shellfish”), from Ancient Greek πορφύρα (porphúra, “purple-fish”), perhaps of Semitic origin. Doublet of purpura and purpure. The sense of "imperial power" is from the wearing of the color purple by emperors and kings.

Example Sentences

• "Arraying with reflected Purple and Gold / The Clouds that on his Weſtern Throne attend."
• "to put on the imperial purple"
• "Thy head as Carmelus: and the heares of thy head as a kings purple tyed to cundite pipes."