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Webster 1913 Edition

Archil

Ar′chil

(?; 277)
,
Noun.
[OF.
orchel
,
orcheil
, It.
orcella
,
oricello
, or OSp.
orchillo
. Cf.
Orchil
.]
1.
A violet dye obtained from several species of lichen (
Roccella tinctoria
, etc.), which grow on maritime rocks in the Canary and Cape Verd Islands, etc.
Tomlinson.
2.
The plant from which the dye is obtained.
[Written also
orchal
and
orchil
.]

Webster 1828 Edition

Archil

'ARCHIL

,
Noun.
A lichen, which grows on rocks, in the Canary and Cape de Verd isles, which yields a rich purple color, not durable, but very beautiful. It is bruised between stones, and moistened with strong spirit of urine mixed with quick lime. It first takes a purplish red color, and then turns to blue. In the first state it is called archil; and in the second, lacmas or litmase, litmus.

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