vermeil Meaning, Definition & Usage

Ver"meil noun

Etymology

F., vermilion, fr. LL. vermiculus, fr. L. vermiculus a little worm, the coccus Indicus, from vermis a worm. See Worm, and cf. Vermicule.

Definitions

1. Vermilion; also, the color of vermilion, a bright, beautiful red. Poetic & R.

   In her cheeks the vermeil red did show Like roses in a bed of lilies shed. Spenser.

2. Silver gilt or gilt bronze.
3. A liquid composition applied to a gilded surface to give luster to the gold. Knight.