Red Cent. An Americanism for a copper coin.
Redcross Street. From the red stone cross anciently set up by the Knights Hospitallers to define the limits of the land belonging to them in the direction adjacent to that of the Knights Templars, indicated by a white cross of stone in what is now “Whitecross Street.”
Red Dragon. An inn sign, complimenting Henry VII., whose device it was.
Redemptorists. Also called “Redemptorist Fathers.” See “Liguorians.”
Red Eye. The Far West term for fiery new whisky, which is well calculated to make the eyes of the toper look red.
Red-hot Time. An Americanism for a jolly time, because the proceedings were conducted with the utmost warmth.
Red-Letter Day. A phrase used to express a pleasurable event in one’s past life. This had its origin in the old calendars and almanacks, in which high Church festivals were printed in red ink, and all the other days in black.
Red Lion Court. After an ancient tavern, “The Red Lion.”
Red Lion Square. After a famous old coaching-house, “The Red Lion.”
Red Republicans. The extreme Republican party of the French Revolution, which adopted the red cap, the Roman symbol of Liberty. The lower orders of the people, to whom the cap meant everything, were likewise only too ready to follow the behest of their leaders, and steep their hands in the blood of the aristocrats.