E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Robin Redbreast.
The tradition is that when our Lord was on His way to Calvary, a robin picked a thorn out of His crown, and the blood which issued from the wound falling on the bird dyed its breast with red. (See CHRISTIAN TRADITIONS.)
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Robin Redbreasts. Bow Street runners were so called from their red waistcoats.
