SACKCLOTH

sackcloth

(noun) a coarse cloth resembling sacking

sackcloth

(noun) a garment made of coarse sacking; formerly worn as an indication of remorse

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

sackcloth (countable and uncountable, plural sackcloths)

A coarse hessian style of cloth used to make sacks.

(Usually paired with 'ashes'), garments worn as an act of penance. Now often used figuratively.

Source: Wiktionary

Sack"cloth`, n.

Definition: Linen or cotton cloth such a sacks are made of; coarse cloth; anciently, a cloth or garment worn in mourning, distress, mortification, or penitence. Gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. 2 Sam. iii. 31. Thus with sackcloth I invest my woe. Sandys.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition