telegraph blue

English

Etymology

From the color of the telegraph paper used in France.

Noun

telegraph blue (uncountable)

1. (archaic) A greyish-blue color, similar to cadet blue.
   • 1882, Godey's Lady's Book (volume 105, paeg 373)

     Telegraph blue, similar to our cadet blue, is named after the blue telegraph paper used in France, […]

   • 1889, Demorests' Monthly Magazine, volume 25, page 65:

     Dark navy-blue, cardinal, golden-brown, old blue, olive, slate-gray, and telegraph-blue are the favorite solid colors seen in heavy beaver cloths […]