MOSS

a class of small herbaceous plants, the term being generally applied to a number growing together in a mass. The title is also popularly extended to similar growths of other types, particularly to some Lichens and Seaweeds.

Among the "mosses" valuable as food, the best known are Iceland Moss (which see), a lichen; Ceylon Moss (see KANTEN) and Irish Moss (see CARRAGHEEN), the last two being seaweeds. "Moss" or "Sea Moss" Farina is a prepared granulated food in which lichen or seaweed is the principal ingredient.

Moss is also employed by cooks and confectioners instead of isinglass, and by painters to make their size.