Brown-noser

Frank Pierce	I recently saw a movie set in the late 18th century British Royal Navy. In it, the term "Brown noser" was used with the usual connotation. Isn't this an anachronism? I had believed that the term probably originated during or shortly before World War II. Does anyone have an earlier reference of its usage?
AdSumADS	Webster's cites 1939.

Return to the archive