from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Cudbear \Cud"bear`\ (k?d"b?r`), n. [Also {cudbeard}, corrupted
fr. the name of Dr. Cuthbert Gordon, a Scotchman, who first
brought it into notice.]
1. A powder of a violet red color, difficult to moisten with
water, used for making violet or purple dye. It is
prepared from certain species of lichen, especially
{Lecanora tartarea}. --Ure.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Bot.) A lichen ({Lecanora tartarea}), from which the
powder is obtained.
[1913 Webster]