Associations to the word «Sackcloth»

Wiktionary

SACKCLOTH, noun. A coarse hessian style of cloth used to make sacks.
SACKCLOTH, noun. (Usually paired with 'ashes'), garments worn as an act of penance. Now often used figuratively.

Dictionary definition

SACKCLOTH, noun. A garment made of coarse sacking; formerly worn as an indication of remorse.
SACKCLOTH, noun. A coarse cloth resembling sacking.

Wise words

Words are always getting conventionalized to some secondary meaning. It is one of the works of poetry to take the truants in custody and bring them back to their right senses.
William Butler Yeats