[Cf. F. ‘gens de robbe longue, Lawyers, Clerkes, Professors of Artes, &c.’ (Cotgr.).] Put symbolically for: The legal profession; esp. in gentlemen, men, members of the long robe = lawyers, barristers. Also occas. = The priesthood or ministry. (Cf. GOWN sb. 4 b.)
1601. Holland, Pliny, I. 231. The first man of the long robe hat deuised parks as well for these bores, as for other deere and sauage beasts, was Fulvius Lippinus.
1642. G. Mountagu, in Buccleuch MSS. (Hist. MSS. Comm.), I. 292. The Houses … have likewise appointed a Committee of the long robe to declare how the King ought … by the law to pass those Ordinances.
1680. Hon. Cavalier, 6. I believe there never was more worthy and Loyal Men under the Long Robe, than there is in this Age.
1712. Arbuthnot, John Bull, I. xii. They were the aversion of the Gentlemen of the Long Robe, and at perpetual war with all the country attorneys.
1762. Foote, Orators, I. Wks. 1799, I. 200. The two orders of the long robe next demand our attention.
1812. Sporting Mag., XXXIX. 42. A source of much profit to the gentlemen of the long robe.
1875. Punch, 25 Dec., 266/2. The long-lived gentlemen of the surplice and the long robe.
† b. Long-robe-man, a lawyer, barrister. Obs.
1654. Gayton, Pleas. Notes, IV. xv. 251. He … entertaines a Justice of grave carriage,… Perswading the Long-robe-men, and his daughter.
1659. Burton’s Diary (1828), IV. 434. All the eminent long-robe-men, except Turner and Terrill, were absent, in respect of the change of the Chair.
