Rouge, adj. and m. (obsolete), cunning, “downy.” The expression is used as a cant word by Villon, 15th century.
Je vis là tant de mirlificques,
Tant d’ameçons et tant d’afficques,
Pour attraper les plus huppez.
Les plus rouges y sont happez.
Poésies attribuées à Villon.
So the proverb, “il est méchant comme un âne rouge,” signifies he is as vicious as a cunning donkey. The expression “les plus rouges y sont pris,” the most cunning are deceived, is to be found in Cotgrave. The Latins used the word ruber with the figurative signification of cunning. Faire tomber le ——, to have an offensive breath. Faire ——, to have one’s menses. (Thieves’), Lampion ——, police officer, or “reeler.” See [Pot-à-tabac]. C’est —— de boudin, the thing goes wrong, matters look bad. (Military) Les culs rouges, the chasseurs and hussars, a corps of light cavalry with red pants. Similarly, the English hussars are termed “cherry-bums.”
Rougemont, m. (thieves’), pivois de ——, red wine, “red fustian.”
Rouget, m. (popular), man with reddish hair. Les rougets (obsolete), better explained by the following:—
Pour les ordinaires des femmes, les mois, les menstrues, les découlements lunaires des femmes.—Le Roux.