subs. (Irish).—1. An overcoat.
1804. EDGEWORTH, The Limerick Gloves, ii. ‘There was a sort of a frieze TRUSTY.’ ‘A TRUSTY!’ said Mr. Hill; ‘what is that, pray?’ ‘A big coat, sure, plase your honor.’
2. (American).—A convict with special privileges, such as a ticket of leave.
1889. The Century Magazine, xxxvii. Jan., 448. By far the greater number of criminals confined in the jails of the far West are there for a class of offenses peculiar to the country. They are men dangerous in one direction, perhaps, but generally not depraved. The ‘TRUSTIES’ are often domesticated upon ranches near the town, and apparently are unwatched, and on the best of terms with the ranchman’s family.
See TROJAN.
