Hence also to pin one's Faith upon another's Sleeve.
"Wear my Heart upon my Sleeve."
Othello, act i. sc. 1.
F. Grose, Esq. to S. Pegge, F. S. A.
September 4, 1784.
Dear Sir,
I have had such a variety of interruptions (agreeable ones), that I have made no hand of your Gloves: all that has occurred on that subject, I here send you.
Blood, who attempted to steal the Crown, presented Mr. Edwards, Keeper of the Jewel Office, with four Pair of White Gloves, as from his Wife, in gratitude for his civility to her in a pretended qualm or sickness. The whole transaction is in Maitland's History of London.
To give one's Glove was considered as a challenge. See Shakspeare, in Hen. V. It is still considered in that light by the Highlanders, of which I once saw an instance in Flanders. Dropping the Gauntlet, at the Coronation, is a kind of challenge.
When the Judge invites the Justices to dine with him at a County Assize, a Glove is handed about by the Crier or Clerk of the Court, who delivers the invitation; into this Glove every one invited puts a shilling.
A Bribe is called a Pair of Gloves.
In a Play, I think called the Twin Rivals, an Alderman presents his Glove, filled with Broad Pieces, to a Nobleman, as a Bribe to procure a Commission for his Son.
Item, for three dozen Leder Gloves, 12s. Vide Account of Henry VII. in Remembrancer's Office.
I set off next week for Christchurch, where I propose staying a month, or six weeks at farthest. My best wishes attend you and yours.
Adieu!
F. Grose.
ERMINE
Gentlewomen's Apparel.
What we call Ermine is an erroneous conception, for we give the name to White Fur tufted with Black, whereas it is the Black only that is properly Ermine, of which numberless instances may be produced, and this is one.