Purple is sometimes used in composition, esp. with participles forming
words of obvious signification; as, purple- colored, purple-hued,
purple-stained, purple- tinged, purple-tinted, and the like.
French purple. (Chem.) Same as Cudbear. -- Purple of Cassius. See
Cassius. -- Purple of mollusca (Zoˆl.), a coloring matter derived from
certain mollusks, which dyes wool, etc., of a purple or crimson color,
and is supposed to be the substance of the famous Tyrian dye. It is
obtained from Ianthina, and from several species of Purpura, and Murex.
-- To be born in the purple, to be of princely birth; to be highborn.
Pur"ple, a. 1. Exhibiting or possessing the color called purple, much
esteemed for its richness and beauty; of a deep red, or red and blue
color; as, a purple robe.
2. Imperial; regal; -- so called from the color having been an emblem
of imperial authority.
Hide in the dust thy purple pride.
Shelley.