Russian violet

Noun

Russian violet (plural Russian violets)

1. A color of a rich and deep shade of violet, associated with the regal hues of Russian history.
   • It is already evident that purples generally, and these Russian violet shades in particular, are among the leading favorites for straws, also that pale grays are to a certain extent taking the place of white, more especailly where silk materials used for covering shapes and trimming are concerned.1915, “An Analysis of the Syndicate Color Card”, in Millinery Trade Review, volume 40, page 30
   • Greens represented both by muted olive types and by the bluer, very dark, Kendal Green; violets, introduced a year ago, shown in deep Russian Violet and in a delicate mauve which may be used as a harmonising glove colour;1961, “Colours for Next Season”, in Leather Goods, volume 89, page 212
2. A variety of violet, Viola suavis, noted for its hardiness and strong fragrance.
   • The Russian Violet, formed to retain both tint and fragrance through the most biting severity of weather, gives me this lesson of hope; bringing also in its train many a recollection no less dear than are the anticipations it numbers.1849, Charlotte Elizabeth, The Works of Charlotte Elizabeth - Volume 1, page 657
   • The Russian violet is certainly one of the most delightful little flowers, and often comes at the most unpromising time of the year, but those who want to be always plucking violets should have all the leading varieties.1850, Annals of Horticulture - Volume 5, page 221
3. A perfume fragrance that was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
   • A pretty little cut-glass perfume spray, with double india-rubber bellows, filled with Russian Violet and in a decorated case, is astonishingly cheap for 3s.;1904, Womanhood - Volume 11, page 59
   • Going to the dressing-table, she picked up a bottle of Russian violet scent of which her mother was very fond: she was going out and she thought she would sprinkle some on her handkerchief.1923, “Copy of Ms. sent to F. E. Leaning”, in Journal of the Society for Psychical Research, volume 21, page 295