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subofficer | 23:54 Sun 23rd Apr 2006 | Phrases & Sayings
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never cast a clout till may is out
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Avatar Image Fibonacci
"Ne'er cast a clout 'til May be out"
Clout is from an Old English word for cloth or clothing, and the saying is a reminder not to be too quick to remove the winter woollies(warm clothing) before the chilly days of May are over.
00:19 Mon 24th Apr 2006
Avatar Image shaneystar2
As above ..but I was always led to believe it was until the may blossom appears on the trees.
00:33 Mon 24th Apr 2006
Avatar Image Argee

I think you are both right. May is another name for the hawthorn which blossoms in May. F.K. Robinson's Whitby Glossary (1855) has


The wind at North and East/Was never good for man nor beast/So never think to cast a clout/Until the month of May be out.


You pays your money and you takes your choice!

00:44 Mon 24th Apr 2006
Avatar Image shaneystar2
Well...by the look of it folks we won't be casting any clouts at all for a while yet if the weather doesn't warm up soon !
I had to wear extra clouts today as it has been so cold !!
00:52 Mon 24th Apr 2006
Avatar Image subofficer
Question Author

Thanks everyone for your trouble. Argee very good reply. I was not sure if it was till the blossom went or came.


Regards all.


Subofficer.

22:20 Mon 24th Apr 2006

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