Definitions

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun (American History) A British soldier in the 1700's; -- so-called because of his red coat, esp. during the American Revolutionary War.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun derogatory A name given by patriots and rebels to British soldiers during the American Revolution.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun British soldier; so-called because of his red coat (especially during the American Revolution)

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

lobster + back, from the resemblance to lobsters of the red coats worn by the British soldiers

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Examples

  • Well, it was a while ago, but I seem to recall that Washington was very fond of bawdy humor, and wasn't above making "lobsterback" jokes--an early form of "clap humor" similar to Jon Stewart's.

    The Wit and Humor of Barack Obama. Ann Althouse 2008

  • "Yonder lobsterback, " he said, affecting insouciance as he set down a box.

    A Breath of Snow and Ashes Gabaldon, Diana 2005

  • There was precious little pity to spare for a lobsterback.

    Pirates Linda Miller 1995

  • "Hard for a lobsterback to wash the flour from his hair.

    Drums of Autumn Gabaldon, Diana 1997

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