purple passage

purple passage

noun

Definition of PURPLE PASSAGE

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

Origin of PURPLE PASSAGE

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

First Known Use: 1895