orrises

- 3 dictionary results

or⋅ris

1 [awr-is, or-]

–noun

an iris, Iris germanica florentina, having a fragrant rootstock.

Also, orrice.

Origin:
1535–45; unexplained alter. of iris

2 [awr-is, or-]

–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; perh. alter. (by influence of arras tapestry) of earlier orfrays orphrey

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source

or·ris (ôr'ĭs, ŏr'-)

Any of several species of iris having a fragrant rootstock, especially a variety of the hybrid Iris germanica.
The fragrant rootstock of the orris, used in perfumes and cosmetics. Also called orrisroot.

[Probably alteration of Middle English yreos, from Medieval Latin, alteration of Latin īris; see iris.]

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