cudbear

[ kuhd-bair ]

noun

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

cudbear

/ ˈkʌdˌbɛə /

noun

1. See orchil
   another name for orchil

Word History and Origins

Origin of cudbear¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of cudbear¹

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

Example Sentences

A mordant of alum, followed by a hot bath of brazil wood, and afterwards by a weak one of cudbear.

From Project Gutenberg

The above deep red feathers are passed through a bath of cudbear.

From Project Gutenberg

Instead of logwood a little madder is sometimes used; also Cudbear or Barwood.

From Project Gutenberg

The manufacture of Archil and Cudbear from the various lichens is simple in principle.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg