madder

plural madders

1. countableuncountableA herbaceous plant, Rubia tinctorum, native to Asia, cultivated for a red-purple dye (alizarin) obtained from the root.

   1 more example

   Madder (Rubia tinctorum). — This plant has a perennial root and an annual stalk. It is cultivated for the roots, which, after being dried and ground, are employed in considerable quantities in dying a fine red colour, and, likewise, as a first tint for several other shades. It is principally cultivated in Holland, the province of Zealand being almost entirely covered with it; from whence it is exported to every part of Europe and America, yielding almost incalculable profits. The imports of this article for the use of our manufactories is stated to amount in value to more than two millions of dollars annually. Our soil and climate are found to be well adapted to its culture, and some successful experiments have been made in raising it in the counties of Madison and Otsego [in New York State]. Madder does best in a deep rich sand-loam, moist but not wet. It requires three summers to come to perfection; and as the roots strike deep, the ground should be ploughed and mellowed to the depth of two and a half or three feet for its reception. Miller says it should be planted with a dibble (it is propagated by offsets from the roots), in rows from two to three feet apart; while Beechstein says they should be planted only six inches asunder.

   1841, Jesse Buel, The Farmers' Instructor. Consisting of Essays, Practical Directions, and Hints for the Management of the Farm and the Garden. Originally Published in the Cultivator; Selected and Revised for the School District Library, volume 1, Harper and Brothers, page 213

   Synonyms: common madder, dyer's madder

2. countableuncountableThe root of the plant, used as a medicine or a dye.
3. countableuncountableA dye made from the plant.

   Their armour was stained with madder, in such wise that they seemed bathed in blood.

   1922, E[ric] R[ücker] Eddison, The Worm Ouroboros: A Romance, London: Jonathan Cape […], →OCLC, page 19

4. countableuncountableA deep reddish colour, like that of the dye.

   Her big head has coloured to a dim and dreadful madder.

   1946, Mervyn Peake, Titus Groan

1. not comparableOf a deep reddish purple colour, like that of the dye.

present singular third person madders · participle present maddering · participle past maddered · past maddered

1. raretransitiveTo dye with madder.

1. comparativecomparative form of mad: more mad

plural madders

1. obsoleteObsolete form of mether.

   Usequebaugh to our feast - In pails was brought up, A hundred at least, - And the madder our cup, O there is the sport! […]

   c.1720 Jonathan Swift (translation from the Irish) "O'Rourke's Feast"

present singular third person madders · participle present maddering · participle past maddered · past maddered

1. pronunciation spellingEye dialect spelling of matter.