Green’s Dictionary of Slang

tom n.6

[abbr. Tommy Atkins n.]

a British soldier.

Show quotations
[Aus]Bulletin (Sydney) 22 Sept. 11/1: When bold Collingwood and Nelson used to boss the narrow seas, / And to make the French and Spaniards stir their stumps, / Jack at sea and Tom in barrack / Got blind drunk on rum or arrack; / But we never heard of either getting drunk.