Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

CUDBEAR, Cutbear, n. A dyestuff, prepared from various lichens (Dmf. 1925 W. A. Scott Trans. Dmf. & Gall. Antiq. Soc. 22, cutbear). The name is sometimes applied to the lichen itself, esp. Lecanora tartarea. Now also Eng. Cf. Crottle, n.¹Sc. 1758 B. Woodcroft Index Patent (1854) 220:
Dye called cudbear.Sc. 1765 Scots Mag. (Dec.) 670:
The Scotch cutbear bids fair to set aside the Canary orchal, as an ingredient used in dying. Both are weeds.Sc. 1776 Weekly Mag. (19 Sept.) 403:
We ordered several parcels of the dyeing-ware called cudbear, of the manufactory of George and Cuthbert Gordons of Leith.