E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Plush (John).
A gorgeous footman, conspicuous for his plush breeches.
1
To take plush. To take a subordinate place in the ministry, where one can only act as a government flunkey.
2
“Lord Rosebery perhaps remembers that, years ago, a young politician who had just finished his education, was warned by an old and affectionate teacher ‘not to take plush … The reply was, ‘I have been offered plush tied with red tape, and have refused it.’”—Nineteenth Century, Jan., 1892, p. 137.
