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
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Origin and Etymology 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: 1882
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