E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Blue-coat School.
Christ’s Hospital is so called because the boys there wear a long blue eoat girded at the loins with a leather belt. Some who attend the mathematical school are termed King’s boys, and those who constitute the highest class are Grecians.
1
Founded by Edward VI. in the year of his death. There are several other blue-coat schools in England besides Christ’s Hospital.
