I wrote the phrase hat in hand in my Silver Rush WIP, then had to stop and look it up. (Of course!)
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According to Merriam-Webster, hat in hand, a phrase that indicates something is done "in an attitude of respectful humility," dates from 1821, putting it comfortably in the earlier part of the 19th century. The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer includes cap in hand with a definition of "in a humble manner." Ammer places first use of the phrase circa 1700 and adds:
This expression alludes to removing one's headgear as a sign of respect and has survived the era of doffing one's hat.[ASIDE: Doffing... love that word! Will have to find a place for it...]
In any case, doing something hat in hand is perfectly reasonable for my 1882-era characters, whether they proceed literally or figuratively.
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| This guy does not look like the "hat in hand" type. General Étienne-Maurice Gérard (1816) by Jacques Louis David The Metropolitan Museum |
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2 comments:
Will the day come when no one knows what "hat" means?
Independence song
https://makingmulticulturalmusic.wordpress.com/2014/09/18/cap-in-hand-a-song-for-scottish-independence/
Hi Liz!
As long as there's a true winter, there will probably be "knit hats." But fancy/formal hats? That's another kettle of fish (to toss in another idiom!).
... and great song! Thanks for the link! :-)
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