be in a
state of great mourning or penitence. An allusion to the Hebrew custom of wearing sackcloth and ashes as suitably humble attire for
religious ceremonies, mourning, penitence, etc. The sackcloth in question was a
coarse dark haircloth from which sacks were made.
Gonna make you wear sackcloth and ashes for the rest of your
life?
-Wrong Target, See Check (29 June 61) be in a
state of great mourning or penitence. An allusion to the Hebrew custom of wearing sackcloth and ashes as suitably humble attire for
religious ceremonies, mourning, penitence, etc. The sackcloth in question was a
coarse dark haircloth from which sacks were made.