I have recently found the term 'Coffry girl' in a document from India dated 1814. Can anyone please explain the meaning? David

David asked: >I have recently found the term 'Coffry girl' in a document from India dated > 1814. Can anyone please explain the meaning? Surprisingly, Hobson-Jobson does not seem to explain this. However, a Coffrey Regiment in the Company Armies was made up of black men recruited (or taken?) from non-Indian sources, typically Mauritius, East Africa, etc. I have not seen the expression used as late as 1814, but it was common in the mid-late 18th century. Hope this helps Good Hunting! Peter Bailey Chairman Families in British India Society www.fibis.org