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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

FLASH, n.2 Gen. in pl.: the tab of cloth, usu. scarlet, worn on the garter of a kilt stocking so as to project below the turn-down. Gen.Sc. The word appears first in military usage shortly a.1914, each Highland regiment having its own distinctive arrangement of the garter-braid.Sc. 1909 MS. (per Messrs W. Anderson, Edb.):
Scarlet Garters with Flashes.Sc. 1920 Messrs J. & R. Glen Catalogue:
Garter Flashes, in scarlet or green.Sc. 1938 R. Bain Clans and Tartans 41:
Garters should be made of wool or worsted, and knotted with a garter knot, with the ends, or flashes, hanging below the overturn, if there is one, of the hose.Sc. 1949 G. Blake Paying Guest v.:
Pale khaki stockings with red garter--flashes.

[Prob. so called from their bright colour, esp. as seen in motion, when the wearer is marching. But cf. also the flash or collar ribbon worn by officers of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, dating from the beginning of the 19th cent.]

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