bloody shirt

noun

1. a bloodstained shirt used to incite a mob to vengeance.
2. any symbol used for this purpose.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bloody shirt¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

He was the imbecile who stopped in Cincinnati and mailed you the bloody shirt to throw you off the scent.

From Project Gutenberg

I don't know but I prefer the 'waving of the bloody shirt' to this flaunting of the olive-branch.

From Project Gutenberg

Therewithal she pulled out a bloody doublet and a bloody shirt, that were be-bled with old blood.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet, as the sequel proved, it was long after Cleveland's day before the bloody shirt was laid finally to rest.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet the bloody shirt lingered long as a troublemaker, and was invoked by both parties.

From Project Gutenberg