English

Noun

McAlpine's Fusiliers ‎(uncountable)

1. (Ireland, Britain, informal) The Irish immigrant labour force in Britain in the early 20th century.
   • 2006, Kevin Noble, Baghdad Trucker, Northern Writers, Durham, page 92

     He'd left his homeland at fifteen, seeking his fortune on the motorways of Britain with McAlpine's Fusiliers before migrating to Sydney.

Usage notes

The term was popularised by the 1960s Dubliner's song of the same name.