"blue laws"

[Joel S. Berson]

Reading Wikipedia a little further, it claims:

"Rather, the word blue was commonly used in the 18th century as a
disparaging reference to rigid moral codes and those who observed
them (e.g., "bluenoses", blue movies)."

Rhetorical questions (that is, only respond if you wish):  What are
their authorities for:

1)  "Bluenoses" in the 18th century?  The OED has this from 1927.

2)   "Blue movies" -- let alone any movies -- in the 18th century?

:-)
Joel

At 9/28/2010 11:25 AM, Joel S. Berson wrote:
>1)  I have modified the "History" section of the Wikipedia article
>"Blue Law," adding the 1755 appearance and amending the overly
>limited description of the early Puritan laws (they prohibited not
>only business activities but also recreation).

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