The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Vermeil \Ver"meil\, n. [F., vermilion, fr. LL. vermiculus, fr.
   L. vermiculus a little worm, the coccus Indicus, from vermis
   a worm. See Worm, and cf. Vermicule.]
   1. Vermilion; also, the color of vermilion, a bright,
      beautiful red. [Poetic & R.]
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            In her cheeks the vermeill red did show
            Like roses in a bed of lilies shed.   --Spenser.
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   2. Silver gilt or gilt bronze.
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   3. A liquid composition applied to a gilded surface to give
      luster to the gold. --Knight.
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