E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Blouse.
A short smock-frock of a blue colour worn commonly by French workmen. Bleu is French argot for manteau.
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“A garment called bliaut or bliaus, which appears to have been another name for a surcoat… . In this bliaus we may discover the modern French blouse, a … smock-frock.”—Planché: British Costume.
