(The), subs. (military).—The late 56th Regiment of Foot, now the 2nd Batt. Essex Regiment. [Tradition relates that, when facings were changed in 1764, the crimson not wearing well, the Colonel desired Blue. The authorities, however, objected, and he chose purple, a favourite colour of Madame de Pompadour, the mistress of Louis XV. of France.] Also “THE SAUCY POMPADOURS.”
