cudbear means A violet-red dye powder, prepared from certain lichens, especially Ochrolechia tartarea. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 89 out of 100.
Etymology
Corrupted from the name of Dr. Cuthbert Gordon, a Scotsman, who patented the process of manufacture.
noun
- 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.”
- A rim lichen, crabseye lichen (Ochrolechia tartarea.