orris
1
[
awr
-is,
or
-]
/ˈɔr ɪs, ˈɒr-/
noun
1.
an
iris
,
Iris germanica florentina,
having a fragrant rootstock.
Also,
orrice
.
Origin
1535-45;
unexplained alteration of
iris
orris
2
[
awr
-is,
or
-]
/ˈɔr ɪs, ˈɒr-/
noun
1.
a lace or braid made of gold or silver, much used in the 18th century.
2.
a galloon used in upholstering.
Origin
1695-1705;
perhaps alteration (by influence of
arras
tapestry) of earlier
orfrays
orphrey
British Dictionary definitions for
orris
orris
1
/
ˈɒrɪs
/
noun
1.
any of various irises, esp
Iris florentina,
that have fragrant rhizomes
2.
Also called
'orrisroot.
the rhizome of such a plant, prepared and used as perfume
Word Origin
C16: variant of
iris
orris
2
/
ˈɒrɪs
/
noun
1.
a kind of lace made of gold or silver, used esp in the 18th century
Word Origin
from Old French
orfreis,
from Latin
auriphrygium
Phrygian gold