Definition of "orris-root" [orris-root]

• The root of several European species of Iris, chiefly I. florentina. See Iris, 8. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "There was the muted click of high heels on the parquet of the floor -- Caris remembered, half-dreaming, that the Regent walked very quietly -- and the overwhelming waft of orris-root perfume."
• "They should be placed in jars with dried lavender, cloves, woodruff leaves, orris-root, musk, pimento, and gums; a little salt must be added, and the ingredients stirred."
• "A long cigarette holder between her thin lips, one putty-colored lisle stocking showing to the knee, she exhaled, together with an odor of Florentine orris-root, a ruthless vigor and appetency for pleasure."