ˈpə:pl n.,
adj., & v. --n. 1 a
colour intermediate between red and blue. 2 (in full
Tyrian purple) a
crimson dye obtained
from some molluscs. 3 a purple
robe,
esp. as
the dress of an
emperor or
senior magistrate. 4 the
scarlet official dress of a
cardinal. 5 (prec. by the) a
position of rank,
authority, or
privilege. --adj. of a purple colour. --v.tr. & intr.
make or
become purple. øborn in the purple 1
born into a reigning
family. 2 belonging to the
most privileged
class. purple emperor a
large butterfly, Apatura
iris,
with purple wings. purple
heart Brit. colloq. a heart-shaped
stimulant tablet, esp. of
amphetamine. Purple Heart (in the US) a
decoration for those wounded in
action. purple passage (or patch) 1 an
ornate or
elaborate passage in a
literary composition. 2
Austral. colloq. a
piece of
luck or
success. øøpurpleness n. purplish adj. purply adj. [OE alt. f.
purpure purpuran f. L
purpura (as PURPURA)]