stab-rag

stab +‎ rag

stab-rag (plural stab-rags)

1. (obsolete, military, Britain, slang) A regimental tailor.
   • 1841 August 21, “Fine Arts”, in Punch, or the London Charivari‎, volume 1, page 65:

     In conclusion, the bottom on the jacket, and the button-holes, companions thereto, would baffle the criticism of the most hyper-fastidious stab-rag; and the shirt collar, with every other detail—never forgetting the chiaro-scuro—are equal to any of the preceding.

   • 1943, Stella Gibbons, Ticky, London: Random House, published 2012, →ISBN, page 127:

     Corporal Target is at the stab-rag—tailor's, sir. Bein' measured for a new overcoat, sir.

• grabs at, ratbags