cudbear

[ kuhd-bair ]

/ ˈkʌdˌbɛər /

a violet coloring matter obtained from various lichens, especially Lecanora tartarea.

Origin of cudbear

First recorded in 1760–70; coinage by Dr. Cuthbert Gordon, 18th-century Scottish chemist, based on his own name

About 130 tons of cudbear are imported annually from Sweden.

The Commercial Products of the Vegetable Kingdom |P. L. Simmonds
The manufacture of Archil and Cudbear from the various lichens is simple in principle.

Vegetable Dyes |Ethel M. Mairet
Various species of Lecanora, particularly L. tartarea, known as cudbear, are used in dyeing woollen yarn.

The Commercial Products of the Vegetable Kingdom |P. L. Simmonds
If the colour is not good, tincture of red sanders or cudbear is directed to be added.

A History of Inventions, Discoveries, and Origins, Volume I (of 2) |Johann Beckman

The lichens thus treated acquire gradually a deep purple colour, and form the products called "cudbear."

The Chemistry of Hat Manufacturing |Watson Smith

cudbear

/ (ˈkʌdˌbɛə) /

another name for orchil

C18: whimsical alteration of Cuthbert, the Christian name of Dr Gordon, 18th-century Scot who patented the dye. See cuddy ²