The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Litmus \Lit"mus\, n. [D. lakmoes; lak lacker + moes a thick
preparation of fruit, pap, prob. akin to E. meat: cf. G.
lackmus. See Lac a resinous substance.] (Chem.)
A dyestuff extracted from certain lichens (Roccella
tinctoria, Lecanora tartarea, etc.), as a blue amorphous
mass which consists of a compound of the alkaline carbonates
with certain coloring matters related to orcin and orcein.
[1913 Webster]
Note: Litmus is used as a dye, and being turned red by acids
and restored to its blue color by alkalies, is a common
indicator or test for acidity and alkalinity.
[1913 Webster]
Litmus paper (Chem.), unsized paper saturated with blue or
red litmus, -- used in testing for acids or alkalies.
[1913 Webster]
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]