a color formed by, or resembling that formed by, a combination of the primary colors red and blue.-cloth dyed a purple color, or a garment of such color; especially, a purple robe, worn as an emblem of rank or authority; specifically, the purple rode or mantle worn by roman emperors as the emblem of imperial dignity; as, to put on the imperial purple.-hence: imperial sovereignty; royal rank, dignity, or favor; loosely and colloquially, any exalted station; great wealth.-a cardinalate. see cardinal.-any species of large butterflies, usually marked with purple or blue, of the genus basilarchia (formerly limenitis) as, the banded purple (b. arthemis). see illust. under ursula.-any shell of the genus purpura.-see purpura.-a disease of wheat. same as earcockle.-exhibiting or possessing the color called purple, much esteemed for its richness and beauty; of a deep red, or red and blue color; as, a purple robe.-imperial; regal; -- so called from the color having been an emblem of imperial authority.-blood-red; bloody.-to make purple; to dye of purple or deep red color; as, hands purpled with blood.