E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Blue-noses.
The Nova Scotians.
1
“‘Pray, sir,’ said one of my fellow-passengers, ‘can you tell me the reason why the Nova Scotians are called “Blue-noses”?’
“‘It is the name of a potato,’ said I, ‘which they produce in the greatest perfection, and boast to be the best in the world. The Americans have, in consequence, given them the nickname of Blue Noses.’”—Haliburton: Sam Stick.
