cudbear en · NOUN
Etymology
Corrupted from the name of Dr. Cuthbert Gordon, a Scotsman, who patented the process of manufacture.
Meanings
-
(countable, historical, uncountable) A violet-red dye powder, prepared from certain lichens, especially Ochrolechia tartarea.
ORCHELLA WEEDS. The cylindrical and flat species of Roccella used in the manufacture of Orchil or Archil, and Cudbear, are so called by the makers.
1878, Andrew Ure, Robert Hunt, Frederick William Rudler, Ure̓'s Dictionary of Arts, Manufactures, and Mines: Containing a Clear Exposition of Their Principles and Practice, volume 3:
- (countable, uncountable) A rim lichen, crabseye lichen (Ochrolechia tartarea.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| cudbears | Number=Plur | lexicographic | |
| cudbeard | alternative | lexicographic |
Synonyms
cudweed (lichen)