E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Red Boots.
A pair of red boots. A Tartar phrase, referring to a custom of cutting the skin of a victim round the upper part of the ankles, and then stripping it off at the feet. A Tartar will say, “When you come my way again, I will give you a pair of red boots to go home in.”
