My Book is quoted for Word of the Day–pretty cool

(from http://wordsmith.org/words/perse.html):

 

A.Word.A.Day

with Anu Garg

perse

PRONUNCIATION:

(puhrs)

 

MEANING:

adjective: Of a grayish blue or purple color.

 

ETYMOLOGY:

From persus (dark blue), from Latin Persicus (Persian), from Persia, former name of Iran. Why this color is associated with Persia is not entirely clear. Earliest documented use: 1387.

 

USAGE:

“How much the amethyst ring on her right hand mirrored the fading perse color of the sky.”
Lisa Kusel; Hat Trick; Hyperion; 2005.