redcoat

views updated May 23 2018

redcoat a traditional name for a British soldier (so named because of the colour of the uniform). In the Civil War the term was commonly applied to the Parliamentary forces, although there were red-uniformed soldiers on both sides.

In the UK from the 1950s, redcoat has been used for an organizer and entertainer at a Butlin's holiday camp, who on duty wore a scarlet blazer.

redcoat

views updated Jun 11 2018

red·coat / ˈredˌkōt/ • n. hist. a British soldier.