Archaic word for accumulated dirt, grease, or grime, especially on the body or in living spaces. Not used in modern everyday Japanese; encountered mainly in classical or historical texts.
In old documents, the expression 'wash away dirt and grease' can be found.
Archaic kanji compound; the second character is uncommon. The reading くに is also recorded but even rarer.
Compound of 垢 (dirt) and 膩 (grease, oiliness). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the word is now obsolete.