Orcin \Or"cin\, n. [Etymology uncertain: cf. F. orcine.]

(Chem.) A colorless crystalline substance, C6H3.CH3.(OH)2, which is obtained from certain lichens (Roccella, Lecanora, etc.), also from extract of aloes, and artificially from certain derivatives of toluene. It changes readily into orcein.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)