cudbear, n. [Also cudbeard, corrupted fr. the name of Dr. Cuthbert Gordon, a Scotchman, who first brought it into notice.].
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]
A lichen (Lecanora tartarea), from which the powder is obtained. [1913 Webster]