E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Blue Ribbon (A).
A wale from a blow. A bruise turns the skin blue.
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“‘Do you want a blue ribbon round those white sides of yours, you monkey?’ answered Orestes; ‘because, if you do, the hippopotamus hide hangs ready outside.’”—Kingsley: Hypatia, chap. iv.
