purple passage

noun

Synonyms of purple passagenext
1
: a passage conspicuous for brilliance or effectiveness in a work that is dull, commonplace, or uninspired
2
chiefly British : a piece of obtrusively ornate writing

called also purple patch

Word History

Etymology

translation of Latin pannus purpureus purple patch; from the traditional splendor of purple cloth as contrasted with plainer materials

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of purple passage was in 1882

Dictionary Entries Near purple passage

purple oxide

purple passage

purple ragwort

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Purple passage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purple%20passage. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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