orris

plural orrises

1. countableuncountableAny of several irises that have a fragrant root, especially Iris × germanica.
2. countableuncountableThe fragrant root of such an iris.

   Next place your hair, the rose quartz, some of the orris root powder, and the candle drippings into the box.

   2000, Lady Sabrina, The Witch′s Master Grimoire, page 122

   2 more examples

   Drop twelve drops of genuine oil of rhodium on a lump of loaf-sugar ; grind this wel in a glass mortar, and mix it thoroughly with three pounds of orris powder.

   1826, Samuel Adams, Sarah Adams, The Complete Servant, page 169

   1998, Claire Kowalchik, William H. Hylton, Orris, entry in Rodale′s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs, page 406, Orris is the part of the florentine iris you don′t see — the rhizome. […] The ancient Egyptians and Greeks learned that the bland-smelling orris root would take on a remarkable fragrance if dried for at least two years.

plural orrises

1. countablehistoricaluncountableA type of gold or silver coloured lace.

   Synonyms: orris lace

2. countablehistoricaluncountableA 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.

   Synonyms: orris pattern

plural Orrises

1. A surname transferred from the given name.