orphrey Meaning & Definition
What Does Orphrey Mean?
As a noun, orphrey means Any elaborate embroidery, especially when made of gold thread; an object (such as clothing or fabric) adorned with such embroidery. It can also mean An embroidered ornamental band or border on an ecclesiastical vestment, altar frontal, etc.
Quick Facts About Orphrey
| Part of speech | noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈɔːfɹi/ |
| Plural | orphreys |
Orphrey Definition (Noun)
- Any elaborate embroidery, especially when made of gold thread; an object (such as clothing or fabric) adorned with such embroidery.
- An embroidered ornamental band or border on an ecclesiastical vestment, altar frontal, etc.
Synonyms of Orphrey
The source does not list synonyms for this entry.
Orphrey synonyms and antonyms →Word Forms & Grammar
orphrey (plural orphreys)
Words That Rhyme With Orphrey
Origin of Orphrey
From Middle English orfray, orfrei, orefreys (“elaborate (especially gold) embroidery; fabric adorned with such embroidery; embroidered ornamental band or border; decorative elements”),[1] from Anglo-Norman and Middle French orfrais, orfreis, orfrois, and other forms, from Late Latin aurifrasium, aurifrisium, aurifrigium and other forms, from Latin aurum Phrygium (“gold embroidery”, literally “Phrygian gold”), from aurum (“gold”) + Phrygium (neuter singular of Phrygius (“Phrygian”), the Phrygians being renowned for their gold embroidery). The English word is cognate with Late Latin orfrasium, orfresium, Old Occitan aurfre, aurfres, orfres (modern Occitan aurfrés), Spanish orofrés, orifrés.[2]