man of the cloth

[tracymort]

whats that all about?

[Quizmonster]

"The cloth" has been used since the early 17th century to represent particular professions, based on the fact that members of these wore specific types of clothing...a 'uniform' in effect. Magistrates, sailors etc were all originally included in the concept. Later, this generally-applicable concept tended to disappear and the word was used to refer only to members of the clergy. It still does, though one rarely hears it so used nowadays.

[tracymort]

Thank you!

[firefly]

Different cloths represented different vocations at hiring fairs. Because the priesthood was considered such a vocation, it meant it kept that 'cloth' link.