The Collaborative International Dictionary
Vernicle \Ver"ni*cle\, n.
A Veronica. See Veronica, 1. [Obs.]
--Piers Plowman.
A vernicle had he sowed upon his cap.
--Chaucer.
Veronica \Ve*ron"i*ca\, n. [LL.; -- so called from Veronica, a woman who, according to an old legend, as Christ was carrying the cross, wiped his face with a cloth, which received an impression of his countenance; Veronica is fr. MGr. ?, fr. Macedonian ?, for Gr. ?, literally, carrying off victory, victorious.]
A portrait or representation of the face of our Savior on the alleged handkerchief of Saint Veronica, preserved at Rome; hence, a representation of this portrait, or any similar representation of the face of the Savior. Formerly called also Vernacle, and Vernicle.
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(Bot.) A genus scrophulariaceous plants; the speedwell. See Speedwell.
Note: Several herbaceous species are common in both Europe and America, most of which have small blue flowers. A few shrubby species from New Zealand are sometimes found in cultivation.
Wiktionary
n. (context obsolete English) A veronica (image of Jesus).
Usage examples of "vernicle".
He wears, as you perceive, the vernicle of Sainted Luke, the first physician, upon his sleeve.