[cf. BLUE-CAP.]
1. spec. A broad round horizontally flattened bonnet or cap of blue woollen material, formerly in general use in Scotland. Hence Blue-bonneted a.
1682. 2nd Plea Nonconf., 4. In a Jesuit’s long Robes, and a Scotish blew Bonnet.
1859. Masson, Milton, I. 667. The blue-bonneted and plaided peasantry of the shires.
2. transf. A blue-bonneted peasant, or soldier.
1818. Scott, Rob Roy, xxvi. Rob soon gathered an unco band o’ blue-bonnets at his back. Ibid. (1820), Monast., xxv. When the Blue Bonnets came over the Border.
3. A Scotch name of species of Centaurea, as the Bluebottle; also of species of Scabious and other round-headed blue flowers.
1863. Marg. Plues, Rambl. Wild Fl., 168. The corn blue bottle…. Its brilliant colour entitles it to its Scotch appellation of Blue bonnet. The French call it bluet.
4. Dial. name of the Blue Tit-mouse; = BLUE-CAP.
