Emily Dickinson Lexicon

vermillion, n. [ED's variant spelling of “vermilion”; AFr and OFr vermail < L. vermiculus, a worm.] (webplay: cochineal, color, name, red).

1. Ruddiness; rosy cheeks; color of health.
2. Cochineal; small insect that feeds on a particular plant; color produced from the cochineal.
3. Bright, beautiful red color.