ALKANET

(A corruption of the French orcanetfe; orca, a rouge pot.) A kind of reddish purple dye, obtained from the roots of Anchusa tinct or i a: it was formerly used for staining the face. Alkanet. The Anchusa tinct or i a. The root of this plant, which is a native of the warmer parts of Europe, contains a red resinous colouring matter which it imparts to alcohol and oils: it is used to tinge some ointments, especially lip-salves, of a red colour. [s. 45]