Russian violets

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
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
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