orchil

[awr-kil, -chil] /ˈɔr kɪl, -tʃɪl/

noun

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

any lichen yielding this dye.

Also called archil, orseille.

Origin

1475-85; < Old French

British Dictionary definitions for orchil

orchil

/ˈɔːkɪl; -tʃɪl/

noun

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

Word Origin

C15: from Old French orcheil, of uncertain origin

Encyclopedia Article for orchil

archil

a violet dye obtained from some lichens by fermentation. It is also the term for any lichen that yields orchil (Roccella, Lecanora, Ochrolechin, and Evernia) and refers to any colour obtained from this dye.

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