orphrey

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a richly embroidered ornamental band applied to a Christian ecclesiastical vestment, altar frontal, or similar textile

   The cope's orphrey was divided into embroidered panels showing the lives of saints.

2. 2
   noun

   historical: elaborate embroidery, especially work in gold thread, or a textile decorated with it

   Gold-thread orphrey covered the border of the ceremonial cloth.

From Middle English orfrey through Old French orfreis from Late Latin auriphrygium, 'Phrygian goldwork,' formed from aurum, 'gold,' + Phrygius, 'Phrygian.' Phrygian needlework was renowned, and the name became specialized for rich vestment embroidery.

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