purple passage

noun

1

: a passage conspicuous for brilliance or effectiveness in a work that is dull, commonplace, or uninspired

2

chiefly British : a piece of obtrusively ornate writing

called also purple patch

Word History

Etymology

translation of Latin pannus purpureus purple patch; from the traditional splendor of purple cloth as contrasted with plainer materials

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1