DCHP-2
redcoat DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
THIS ENTRY MAY CONTAIN OUTDATED INFORMATION, TERMS and EXAMPLES
1a † n. — Hist.
a British soldier stationed in Canada.
- 1837 (1930) 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
1b n.
in Indian parlance, a white man, especially one identified with officialdom.
- 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.
2 n.
a member of the Royal Canadian (formerly, North West) Mounted Police.
See also: Mounted Policeman redjacket
- 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.
- 1837 (1930) 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.