Definition of purple

• n. - A color formed by, or resembling that formed by, a combination of the primary colors red and blue.
• n. - Cloth dyed a purple color, or a garment of such color; especially, a purple robe, worn as an emblem of rank or authority; specifically, the purple rode or mantle worn by Roman emperors as the emblem of imperial dignity; as, to put on the imperial purple.
• n. - Hence: Imperial sovereignty; royal rank, dignity, or favor; loosely and colloquially, any exalted station; great wealth.
• n. - A cardinalate. See Cardinal.
• n. - Any species of large butterflies, usually marked with purple or blue, of the genus Basilarchia (formerly Limenitis) as, the banded purple (B. arthemis). See Illust. under Ursula.
• n. - Any shell of the genus Purpura.
• n. - See Purpura.
• n. - A disease of wheat. Same as Earcockle.
• a. - 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.
• a. - Imperial; regal; -- so called from the color having been an emblem of imperial authority.
• a. - Blood-red; bloody.
• v. t. - To make purple; to dye of purple or deep red color; as, hands purpled with blood.