Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
PERTHSHIRE GRAY BREEKS, n.comb. A nickname for the second Battalion of the Scottish Rifles, formerly the 90th Perthshire Light Infantry. See quot. and Gray, I. A. 1. (1). Hist.Sc. 1914 W. R. Hodder Brit. Regiments 28:
The 2nd Battalion is known as “Sir Thomas Graham's Perthshire Grey Breeks.” It received this name from the fact that when Lord Moira ordered the regiment to be equipped and trained as a Light Infantry Corps, their uniforms consisted of a red jacket faced with buff, over a red waistcoat, with buff tights and Hessians for the officers, and light grey pantaloons for the men.
