A historical Scottish charity recipient, typically a poor person, who received a blue gown as a distinctive mark of their status.
From Scottish tradition combining 'blue' and 'gown'; used from at least the 17th century to identify the deserving poor in Scotland who were given blue woolen gowns for identification and charity purposes.
Medieval Scotland had a surprisingly formal welfare system—bluegowns were essentially the first 'official' welfare recipients, and their blue garments made them instantly recognizable, which meant locals knew they were entitled to community support.
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