Fu"cus (?), n.; pl. Fuci (#). [L. rock lichen, orchil, used as a red dye, red or purple color, disguise, deceit.]

1.

A paint; a dye; also, false show.

[Obs.]

2. Bot.

A genus of tough, leathery seaweeds, usually of a dull brownish green color; rockweed.

⇒ Formerly most marine algae were called fuci.

 

© Webster 1913.