from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Sepia \Se"pi*a\, n.; pl. E. {Sepias}, L. {Sepiae}. [L., fr. Gr.
??? the cuttlefish, or squid.]
1. (Zool.)
(a) The common European cuttlefish.
(b) A genus comprising the common cuttlefish and numerous
similar species. See Illustr. under {Cuttlefish}.
[1913 Webster]
2. A pigment prepared from the ink, or black secretion, of
the sepia, or cuttlefish. Treated with caustic potash, it
has a rich brown color; and this mixed with a red forms
{Roman sepia}. Cf. {India ink}, under {India}.
[1913 Webster]
{Sepia drawing} or {Sepia picture}, a drawing in monochrome,
made in sepia alone, or in sepia with other brown
pigments.
[1913 Webster]