red duster

noun

1. a red ensign having the Union Jack as a canton, flown by most British merchant ships.

red duster

noun

1. an informal name for the Red Ensign

Word History and Origins

Origin of red duster¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

During his first moment on screen, Christopher Walken does an alluring soft shoe routine as Captain Hook, clad in red velvet pants, a low cut v-neck ruffled shirt and knee-length red duster with gold trim that manages to not clash with his hook.

From Time

The ship was chartered by a Hong Kong firm doing business with Red China; nonetheless the flag that fluttered from the stern was the "Red Duster" of the British Merchant Navy.

From Time Magazine Archive

She was built on the Clyde in the early 'sixties, and has seen much service under the Red Duster.

From Project Gutenberg