subs. phr. (obsolete).—See quot. 1868.
1837. DICKENS, Pickwick Papers, xxxiii. ‘Vell, Sammy,’ said the father. ‘Vell, MY PROOSHAN BLUE,’ responded the son.
1868. BREWER, Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, s.v. PROOSHAN BLUE (My). A term of great endearment. After … Waterloo the Prussians were immensely popular, and in connection with the Loyal True Blue Club gave rise to the toasts, “The True Blue” and the “PRUSSIAN BLUE.”
