Dignity, and even holiness too, sometimes, are more questions of coat and waistcoat than some people imagine.
 Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist (1838). copy citation

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Author Charles Dickens
Source Oliver Twist
Topic appearance dignity clothes
Date 1838
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/730/730-h/730-h.htm

Context

“A field-marshal has his uniform; a bishop his silk apron; a counsellor his silk gown; a beadle his cocked hat. Strip the bishop of his apron, or the beadle of his hat and lace; what are they? men. Mere men. Dignity, and even holiness too, sometimes, are more questions of coat and waistcoat than some people imagine.
Mr. Bumble had married Mrs. Corney, and was master of the workhouse. Another beadle had come into power. On him the cocked hat, gold-laced coat, and staff, had all three descended.
'And to-morrow two months it was done!'” source

Meaning and analysis

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