Sackcloth: meaning, definitions and examples
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sackcloth
[ ˈsækklɔːθ ]
fabric type
Sackcloth is a coarse fabric, traditionally made from goat or sheep hair, used historically for making sacks and bags. It is often associated with mourning and penance, as individuals would wear sackcloth as a sign of humility or grief. The use of sackcloth extends beyond just being a fabric; it embodies a cultural and religious significance in various traditions, symbolizing a willingness to embrace hardship or reflect on one's sins.
Synonyms
burlap, hemp fabric, tow cloth
Examples of usage
- The funeral attendees wore sackcloth as a mark of respect.
- In ancient cultures, sackcloth was utilized during times of lamentation.
- He covered himself in sackcloth during the days of fasting.
Translations
Translations of the word "sackcloth" in other languages:
🇵🇹 saco de pano
🇮🇳 बुने हुए कपड़े का बोरा
🇩🇪 Sackleinwand
🇮🇩 karung kain
🇺🇦 сумка з грубого полотна
🇵🇱 worek lniany
🇯🇵 麻布の袋
🇫🇷 sac en toile
🇪🇸 saco de tela
🇹🇷 kaba kumaş torbası
🇰🇷 마포 자루
🇸🇦 كيس قماشي
🇨🇿 sáček z hrubé tkaniny
🇸🇰 vrece z hrubej látky
🇨🇳 粗布袋
🇸🇮 vreča iz grobe tkanine
🇮🇸 burðarpoki úr grofnum efnum
🇰🇿 жүннен жасалған қап
🇬🇪 სქელი ბალიშის ჩანთა
🇦🇿 qabaq parça torba
🇲🇽 saco de tela
Etymology
The word 'sackcloth' originates from the Old English 'sæc,' meaning a sack or bag, combined with 'cloth,' denoting a woven fabric. The term has been used since the Middle Ages, where sackcloth was made from the rough fibers of jute or hemp, intended primarily for utility. Historically, the fabric evolved from a practical material to a symbol of mourning in various cultures, including the Judeo-Christian traditions where sackcloth was often worn by individuals in periods of mourning or penitence. Its usage in religious rites marked a person's humility before God, emphasizing a physical manifestation of their sorrow. Over the centuries, sackcloth has also found its place in artistic expressions and contemporary fashion, illustrating its enduring versatility beyond its humble beginnings.