grayback

American  

[grey-bak] / ˈgreɪˌbæk /

noun

1. any of various marine and aquatic animals that are dark gray above and light-colored or white below, as the gray whale, the alewife, certain whitefish, and certain sandpipers.

2. Informal. a Confederate soldier.

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Etymology

Origin of grayback

First recorded in 1805–15; gray ¹ + back ¹

Example Sentences

The rains, and sleet, and snow never ceased falling from the winter sky, while the winds pierced the old, ragged, grayback Rebel soldier to his very marrow.

From "Co. Aytch" Maury Grays, First Tennessee Regiment or, A Side Show of the Big Show by Watkins, Sam R.

His eyes traveled up the great rock—in whose cave his companions lay sleeping; as they gained the top of that old grayback, they were confronted by two other eyes—mere twinkling points of flame!

From A Scout of To-day by Hornibrook, Isabel

We had had a small tent to ourselves, and the socialistic grayback, as yet, had not crawled therein.

From "Shiloh" as Seen by a Private Soldier With Some Personal Reminiscences by Olney, Warren

He triumphed over all obstacles, and when he had completely outwitted the grayback who had labored so diligently to save him from his impending fate, he was at the zenith of prosperity.

From The Soldier Boy; or, Tom Somers in the Army A Story of the Great Rebellion by Optic, Oliver

Si," Shorty continued, as his eye suddenly lighted up with a brilliant thought, "I guess I kin make ye understand what a grayback is.

From Si Klegg, Book 1 (of 6) His Transformation From A Raw Recruit To A Veteran by McElroy, John