subs. phr. (old).—A soldier: cf. RED-COAT (B. E., c. 1696).
1692. J. HACKET, Life of Archbishop Williams, ii., 170. Schismatical depravity will grow up under the licentiousness of war; some profane BUFF-COATS will authorize such incendiaries. Ibid., ii., 224. ’Tis a BUFF-COAT objection that his Majesty consum’d as much in embassies to settle differences by accord, and did no good, as would have maintain’d a noble war, and made him sure of his demands.
