| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
| | | Calf-skin. | | |
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Fools and jesters used to wear a calf-skin coat buttoned down the back. In allusion to this custom, Faulconbridge says insolently to the Archduke of Austria, who had acted most basely to Richard Cœur-de-Lion— | 1 |
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| “Thou wear a lion’s hide! Doff it, for shame, |
| And hang a calf-skin on those recreant limbs.” | |
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Shakespeare: King John, iii. 1. |
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