a bright red pigment consisting of mercuric sulphide, obtained either from the mineral cinnabar or artificially. it has a fine red color, and is much used in coloring sealing wax, in printing, etc.-hence, a red color like the pigment; a lively and brilliant red; as, cheeks of vermilion.-to color with vermilion, or as if with vermilion; to dye red; to cover with a delicate red.