Brewer's: Brickdusts

The 53rd Foot; so called from the brickdust-red colour of their facings. Also called Five-and-thre'pennies, a play on the number and daily pay of the ensigns.

Now called the 1st battalion of the “King's Shropshire Light Infantry.” The 2nd battalion is the old 85th.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
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