from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Vermeil \Ver"meil\, n. [F., vermilion, fr. LL. vermiculus, fr.
L. vermiculus a little worm, the coccus Indicus, from vermis
a worm. See {Worm}, and cf. {Vermicule}.]
1. Vermilion; also, the color of vermilion, a bright,
beautiful red. [Poetic & R.]
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In her cheeks the vermeill red did show
Like roses in a bed of lilies shed. --Spenser.
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2. Silver gilt or gilt bronze.
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3. A liquid composition applied to a gilded surface to give
luster to the gold. --Knight.
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