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redcoat
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.
1a†n. — Hist.
a British soldier stationed in Canada.
Quotations
1837
No sooner, however, the disaffected here found that the "Red Coats" were all gone than they began to muster their strength, and on the 4th of December broke out into open Rebellion.
1870
Bad treatment of the French half-breeds is still continued by the "redcoats" at Fort Garry.
1958
Color of the scarlet jackets worn by RCMP was chosen in deference to the wishes of the plains Indians, who had regarded the "Red Coats" of the earlier British Army garrisons in the west as friends and protectors
1bn.
in Indian parlance, a white man, especially one identified with officialdom.
Quotations
1833
Fired by their wily suggestions, the high and jealous spirit of the Indian chiefs took the alarm, and they beheld with impatience the "Red Coat," or "Saganaw," usurping . . . those possessions. . . .
1918
The fierce chief asked many questions about the Red Coats' trading post, and the price in beaver skins of different articles.
2n.
a member of the Royal Canadian (formerly, North West) Mounted Police.
Quotations
1893
The Indians often came into conflict over encroachments upon each other's hunting grounds, and were quick to appeal to the red-coats as arbiters and protectors.
1912
He must have led rather a lonely life, because the only times he could really relax were with his fellow-redcoats.
1963
The redcoats' professional skill is such that a score of foreign countries have sought their guidance in police problems.