From about 23,000 BCE to about 1782, the red spot was used by pirates to designate a traitor. Around 1782, the color was changed to black. Billy Bones was one of the receivers of the Black Spot
Some believe Ben Gunn also received the Black Spor shortly before he was marooned by Captain Flint
Is that where fraternities picked up the custom to “blackball” someone they didn’t want in their group?