orphrey

Noun

orphrey (plural orphreys)

1. (obsolete) Any elaborate embroidery, especially when made of gold thread; an object (such as clothing or fabric) adorned with such embroidery.
   • There is the lower panelled portion of a parclose screen of a chapel in the south aisle [of Elham Church], of the Early Perpendicular style, of which four compartments are sub-divided into eight; and on each of these, under an ogee-headed and crocketted canopy, is depicted a female saint. Beginning...1877, “The Bishop’s Fief [Bishop of Norwich]”, in G[eorge] A[lfred] Carthew, compiler, The Hundred of Launditch and Deanery of Brisley, in the County of Norfolk. […] In Three Parts, Norwich, Norfolk...
2. An embroidered ornamental band or border on an ecclesiastical vestment, altar frontal, etc.
   • Item, another Chaſuble of blue Tiſſue Velvet, with Flowers and Branches of Gold, and in the Orphrey a Picture of the Paſſion of Chriſt, and of either ſide of him an Angel with Chalices in their Hands, two Tunicles and three Albes.1553 May 18, William Dugdale, “A True Copy of an Inventory Remaining in the Registry of the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln, Taken the Eighteenth Day of May, in the Seventh Year of the Reign of King...
   • This word [orphrey] is used for a band or border of rich work, generally of gold or silver texture, which is sewed on to church vestments and furniture. All copes have an orphrey, or border, on the straight edge. On chasubles the Orphrey at present forms a cross behind, and falls in a straight...1844, A[ugustus] Welby [Northmore] Pugin, “Orphrey”, in Glossary of Ecclesiastical Ornament and Costume, Compiled and Illustrated from Antient Authorities and Examples, […], London: Henry G[eorge]...