Definition of: purple

(pûr′pəl) noun
1. A color of mingled red and blue, between crimson and violet; in ancient times, the color obtained from the murex, properly a crimson.
2. Cloth or a garment of this color, worn formerly by sovereigns, especially the emperors of Rome; hence, royal power or dignity; preeminence in rank or wealth.
3. The office of a cardinal: from the official red hat and robes; also, the episcopal dignity: from its purple insignia.
—v.t. & v.i. ·pled, ·pling To make or become purple.
—adjective
1. Of the color of purple.
2. Hence, imperial; regal.
3. Conspicuously brilliant or ornate: said of language. [Alter. of ME purpre, OE purpure, the color purple <L purpura, orig. the shellfish yielding Tyrian purple dye, the dye, or cloth dyed with it <Gk. porphyra]