Question: Explain "black and grained spots." III. iv. 90.
Answer: "Such black and grained spots as will not leave their tinct." Grained, primarily meant dyed in grain. Grain was the
name of a dye obtained from the coccus insect, a scarlet
dye, which retained its color. Gradually this meaning was
lost, and the term came to be applied to all colors that would
"not leave their tinct."
Mertins, Emma. Shakespeare Examinations. Ed. William Taylor Thom, M. A. Boston: Ginn and Co., 1888. Shakespeare Online. 10 Aug. 2010. (date when you accessed the information) < http://www.shakespeare-online.com/plays/hamlet/examq/thirteen.html >.
