Hat In Hand Phrase Origin

Posted by Sax on April 01 2004.

Hat in hand phrase origin. Ive seen the discussion re. What is the definition of hat in hand. Not when you understand the phrases that were born in the USA.

A usually soft and close-fitting head covering either having no brim or with a visor. This expression alludes to removing ones headgear as. Hat in hand also cap in hand.

In a humble manner. I assume that the origins are from feudal times when serfs or any lower members of feudal society were required to take off their hats in the presence of the lord or monarch remember the Dr. People in the disability movement think the origin of handicap is cap in hand ie begging and therefore derrogatory.

In the olden days when doctors were short on anesthesia or time during a battle they would ask the patient to bite down on a bullet to distract from the pain. Hat in hand definition. Seuss book The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins.

If you go cap in hand to someone you ask them very humbly to give you something or to do. In a humble manner. For example They went to her hat in hand asking for a change of assignment This expression alludes to removing ones headgear as a sign of respect and has survived the era of doffing ones hat.

The idea of a cap as a begging bowl into which coins can be dropped may also be present. Civil Air Patrol 2. You might have heard that the word originated from disabled veterans in England during King Henry VIIs reign 15th-16th century.