Sackcloth
noun
A rough fabric usually made from goats hair, used in the past for making bags and clothes.
The poor man could only afford to wear clothes of sackcloth.

Often appears as...
- wear sackcloth
- sackcloth and ashes
Usage tips
Historical
noun
A symbol of penance or mourning.
She felt such remorse for her actions, she might as well have worn sackcloth and ashes.

Often appears as...
- sackcloth and ashes
- in sackcloth and ashes
Usage tips
Disapproving
Biblical,Idiomatic
noun
A rough fabric usually made from goats hair, used in the past for making bags and clothes.
The poor man could only afford to wear clothes of sackcloth.

Often appears as...
- wear sackcloth
- sackcloth and ashes
Usage tips
Historical
noun
A symbol of penance or mourning.
She felt such remorse for her actions, she might as well have worn sackcloth and ashes.

Often appears as...
- sackcloth and ashes
- in sackcloth and ashes
Usage tips
Disapproving
Biblical,Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2

Historic Usage
Originally, sackcloth was a common material for everyday goods but is now outdated.

Museums might display sackcloth to illustrate historical lifestyles.
Figurative Speech
Sackcloth may be used metaphorically to represent poverty or simplicity in literature.

He lived a sackcloth kind of life, shunning all luxuries.
Literal Meaning
The term isn't widely used today except when referencing historical clothing or objects.

The artisan specializes in recreating sackcloth garments.
Historic Usage
Originally, sackcloth was a common material for everyday goods but is now outdated.

Museums might display sackcloth to illustrate historical lifestyles.
Figurative Speech
Sackcloth may be used metaphorically to represent poverty or simplicity in literature.

He lived a sackcloth kind of life, shunning all luxuries.
Literal Meaning
The term isn't widely used today except when referencing historical clothing or objects.

The artisan specializes in recreating sackcloth garments.
Historic Usage
Originally, sackcloth was a common material for everyday goods but is now outdated.

Museums might display sackcloth to illustrate historical lifestyles.
Figurative Speech
Sackcloth may be used metaphorically to represent poverty or simplicity in literature.

He lived a sackcloth kind of life, shunning all luxuries.
Literal Meaning
The term isn't widely used today except when referencing historical clothing or objects.

The artisan specializes in recreating sackcloth garments.
Quote examples
Victoria Moran
American Writer
I could be a vegan in sackcloth and flip-flops, but I find fabulous boots with periwinkle cuffs a far preferable option.

Quote examples
Victoria Moran
American Writer
I could be a vegan in sackcloth and flip-flops, but I find fabulous boots with periwinkle cuffs a far preferable option.

Example 1 of 1
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension