noun
- decorative bands or borders of rich embroidery, especially gold thread, used on ecclesiastical vestments
Usage: ecclesiastical; archaic
Examples
- The bishop’s cope was adorned with elaborate orphreys depicting biblical scenes.
- Medieval vestments often featured orphreys worked in gold and silk threads.
- The museum’s collection includes several chasubles with well-preserved orphreys.
- Skilled embroiderers spent months creating the intricate orphreys for the cathedral.
- The orphreys on the altar cloth were damaged and required careful restoration.