rachel

See also: Rachel and Ráchel

English

Alternative forms

• Rachel

Etymology

From Rachel, the stage name adopted by Elisabeth Félix (?1820–58), Swiss-born French actress, with reference to her skin tone. Compare raschel.

Noun

rachel (uncountable)

1. A light tan colour, chiefly with reference to cosmetic powder. [from 19th c.]
   • 1880 March 19, The Times:

     This powder is the finest face powder extant […] In three shades—white, pink, and rachel (for brunettes).

   • 1973, Christina Stead, The Little Hotel, Text Classics, published 2016, page 121:

     Her dark skin was creamed a thick pale olive matt and thickly powdered with a pale rachel powder […] .