E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Raw Lobster (A).
A policeman. Lobsters before they are boiled are a dark blue. A soldier dressed in scarlet is a lobster; a policeman, or sort of soldier, dressed in dark blue is a raw lobster. The name was given to the new force by the Weekly Dispatch newspaper, which tried to write it down.
