subs. phr. (old).—A raw recruit.
1598. FLORIO, A Worlde of Wordes, Biancone. A goodly, great milke-soppe, a FRESH WATER SOLDIER.
1603. KNOLLES, The Generall Historie of the Turkes, p. 601. And the temporall nobilitie, forgetting the warlike discipline of their famous ancestors, as FRESH WATER SOULDIORS which had neuer seene the Turkish emperour in his strength, and but little acquainted with some light skirmishes or small inuasions, in their vaine brauerie made light account of the Turkes.
1696. Nomenclator. Bachelier aux armes, nouveau ou jeune soudard. A FRESHWATER SOULDIER: a young souldier: a novice: one that is trayned up to serve in the field.
