HAIRSHIRT

PRONUNCIATION: (HAIR-shuhrt)

MEANING: noun:
1. A shirt made of haircloth, worn next to the skin as a penance.
2. A self-imposed punishment or penance.
3. A secret affliction.

ETYMOLOGY: In some faiths, as a sign of penance some people wear garments made of coarse animal hair close to their skin. From Old English haer + scyrte. Earliest documented use: 1737. Also see cilice.
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CHAIRSHIRT - an article of clothing worn by the head of a committee

HAIRSHIFT - put on a different wig

HAIRSHIRE - where Bugs Bunny lived when he was a Hobbit