orphrey

noun

or·​phrey ˈȯr-frē How to pronounce orphrey (audio)
plural orphreys
1
a
: elaborate embroidery
b
: a piece of such embroidery
2
: an ornamental border or band especially on an ecclesiastical vestment

Word History

Etymology

Middle English orfrey, from Anglo-French orfreis, from Medieval Latin aurifrigium, from Latin aurum gold + Phrygius Phrygian — more at aureus

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of orphrey was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near orphrey

Cite this Entry

“Orphrey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orphrey. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on orphrey

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!