MEN OF STRAW

Men who used in former days to ply about courts of law, so called from their manner of making known their occupation, (i.e., by a straw in one of their shoes,) recognized by the name of “straw shoes.” An advocate or lawyer who wanted a convenient witness knew by these signs where to meet with one, and the colloquy between the parties was brief. “Don’t you remember?” said the advocate; to which the ready answer was, “To be sure I do.” “Then come into court and swear it.” And straw shoes went into court and swore. Athens abounded in straw shoes. Quart Rev. vol. 33, p. 344.