E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Black Genevan (A).
A black preaching gown; once used in some Anglican churches, and still used by some Dissenters in the pulpit. So called from Geneva, where Calvin preached in such a robe.
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“The Nonconformist divine leaves his vestry in his black Genevan, toadied by his deacons and elders.”—Newspaper paragraph, July 18th, 1885 (on Sunday bands).
