orchil

[ awr-kil, -chil ]

/ ˈɔr kɪl, -tʃɪl /

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

any lichen yielding this dye.

Also called archil, orseille.

Origin of orchil

Borrowed into English from Old French around 1475–85

Orchil is applied to wool by the simple process of boiling it in a neutral or slightly acid solution of the colouring matter.

Vegetable Dyes |Ethel M. Mairet
"He seems to be inside this deal," ventured Orchil with his suave smile.

The Younger Set |Robert W. Chambers
It is dyed in orchil first, and then made bluer, and somewhat more secure, by being soused in a well-soaped alkaline mixture.

The International Monthly, Volume 5, No. 4, April, 1852 |Various
"Captain Selwyn is perfectly right," observed Orchil coolly.

The Younger Set |Robert W. Chambers

Turmeric, orchil, catechu, and indigo carmine are all extremely fugitive.

Scientific American Supplement, No. 810, July 11, 1891 |Various

orchil

/ (ˈɔːkɪl, -tʃɪl) /

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

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

C15: from Old French orcheil, of uncertain origin