"colour" Definition

Definitions for the word "colour" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. slang
complexion, tint; “I’ve not seen the COLOUR of his money,” _i.e._, he has never paid me any. In fortune-telling by cards, a _diamond colour_ is the fairest; _heart-colour_, fair, but not so fair as the last; _club colour_, rather dark; _spade colour_, an extremely swarthy complexion.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
2. slang
a handkerchief worn by each of the supporters of a professional athlete on the day of a match, so as to distinguish them from the partizans of the other side. The professional chooses his colours, and his backers, and as many of the general public as can be persuaded to do so, take one each to wear on the eventful day, the understanding being that the man is to be paid, say, a guinea if he wins, and nothing if he loses. Some of these handkerchiefs used to be, in the palmy days of pugilism and professional rowing on the Thames, very fine specimens of work; but as their purveyors expected to be paid whether they won or lost, and as the price was generally about four times the intrinsic value, colours are rather shyly dealt with now. The custom is, however, a very ancient one, and such men as Tom Sayers, Tom King, Harry Kelley, and Bob Chambers have, even in these degenerate days, received very large sums for their winning colours.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864

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This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "colour" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "colour" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history. The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.

Important Notes
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