E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Canonicals.
The pouch on the gown of an M.D., designed for carrying drugs.
1
The coif of a serjeant-at-law, designed for concealing the tonsure.
2
The lamb-skin on a B.A. hood, in imitation of the toga can’dida of the Romans.
3
The strings of an Oxford undergraduate, to show the wearer is still in leading strings. At Cambridge, however, the strings are the mark of a graduate who has won his ribbons.
4
The tippet on a barrister’s gown, meant for a wallet to carry briefs in.
5
The proctors’ and pro-proctors’ tippet, for papers—a sort of sabretache.
