The genuine article. The term was applied about the year 1872 in Upper Canada to the uncompromising partisans of George Brown and the Toronto Globe. A less ardent partisan explained to the present writer, “I’m a Grit, but I’m not a Clear Grit.” [See also GRIT.]
1823. A chap, who was clear grit for a tussle, any time—any where—with any body—or any thing; al’ays ready, to take right hold.—John Neal, ‘Brother Jonathan,’ ii. 14.
1837. Do you want to buy any tooth powder? I’ve got some that’s clear grit; none of your counterfeit stuff.—Phila. Public Ledger, March 6.
1837–40. If you get the clear grit, there is no mistake in it.—Haliburton, ‘The Clockmaker,’ xxxii. (N.E.D.)
1890. But wasn’t that little Providence chap, Dick Arnold, clear grit, though?—Haskins, ‘Argonauts of California,’ p. 335 (N.Y.).
