E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Knights of the Rainbow.
Flunkeys; so called from their gorgeous liveries.
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“The servants who attended them contradicted the inferences to be drawn from the garb of their masters; and, according to the custom of the knights of the rainbow, gave many hints that they were not people to serve any but men of first-rate consequence.”—Sir W. Scott: Redgauntlet, chap. 20
