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.
2. Bot. A lichen (Lecanora tartarea), from which the powder is obtained.
© Webster 1913.