long robe
[Cf. F. ‘gens de robbe longue, Lawyers, Clerkes, Professors of Artes, &c.’ (Cotgr.).]
Put symbolically for: The legal profession; esp. in gentlemen, men, members of the long robe = lawyers, barristers. Also occas. = The priesthood or ministry. (Cf. gown n. 4 b.)
| 1601 Holland Pliny I. 231 The first man of the long robe that deuised parks as well for these bores, as for other deere and sauage beasts, was Fulvius Lippinus. 1642 G. Mountagu in Buccleuch MSS. (Hist. MSS. Comm.) I. 292 The Houses..have likewise appointed a Committee of the long robe to declare how the King ought..by the law to pass those Ordinances. 1680 Honest Cavalier 6, I believe there never was more worthy and Loyal Men under the Long Robe, than there is in this Age. 1712 Arbuthnot John Bull i. xii, They were the aversion of the Gentlemen of the Long Robe, and at perpetual war with all the country attorneys. 1762 Foote Orators i. Wks. 1799 I. 200 The two orders of the long robe next demand our attention. 1812 Sporting Mag. XXXIX. 42 A source of much profit to the gentlemen of the long robe. 1875 Punch 25 Dec. 266/2 The long-lived gentlemen of the surplice and the long robe. |
† b. long-robe-man, a lawyer, barrister. Obs.
| 1654 Gayton Pleas. Notes iv. xv. 251 He..entertaines a Justice of grave carriage,..Perswading the Long-robe-men, and his daughter. 1659 Burton's Diary (1828) IV. 434 All the eminent long-robe-men, except Turner and Terrill, were absent, in respect of the change of the Chair. |