cudbear

noun

cud·​bear ˈkəd-ˌber 

: a reddish coloring matter from lichens

Word History

Etymology

irregular from Dr. Cuthbert Gordon, 18th century Scottish chemist

First Known Use

1764, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

cudbear

noun

cud·​bear ˈkəd-ˌba(ə)r, -ˌbe(ə)r 

: a reddish coloring matter from lichens that is sometimes considered a form of archil and is used in coloring pharmaceutical preparations