subs. phr. (old).—A parson. (B. E. and GROSE).
1627. R. PERROT, Jacob’s Vow, 52. Let us take heed how these BLACK-COATES get the day of us.
1671. EACHARD, Observations, 176. Suppose we should bestow upon a poor low thinking BLACK COAT, one of our best forms, such as follows; it is five to one he would commit some ecclesiastical blunder or other, in setting his name to near.
1818. SCOTT, The Heart of Mid-lothian, i. You are the BLACK-COAT’S son of Knocktarlitie.
1870. EMERSON, Society and Solitude, ix., 197. The BLACK-COATS are good company only for BLACK-COATS.
