/ · 1894 Brewer’s · C · Cloth (The)
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
The clergy, the clerical office, thus we say “having respect for the cloth” Formerly the clergy used to wear a distinguishing costume, made of grey or black cloth.
· ·
Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.