orris

Meaning

Noun

• Any of several irises that have a fragrant root, especially Iris × germanica (nothospecies).
• The fragrant root of such an iris.
• A type of gold or silver lace.
• A pattern in which gold lace or silver lace is worked, especially one in which the edges are ornamented with conical figures placed at equal distances, with spots between them.

Origin

• Probably from iris, although the alteration of the vowel is unexplained.
• Contracted from orfrays, or from arras.