Dictionary entry

Vermeil

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Ver″meil (?), n. [F., vermilion, fr. LL. vermiculus, fr. L. vermiculus a little worm, the coccus Indicus, from vermis a worm. See Worm, and cf. Vermicule.] 1. Vermilion; also, the color of vermilion, a bright, beautiful red.

In her cheeks the vermeill 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.