subs. phr. (old).—See quots. and STRAW.
c. 1696. B. E., A New Dictionary of the Canting Crew, s.v. AFFIDAVIT MEN, Knights of the Post, Mercenary Sweaters for Hire, Inhabitants (formerly) of White Friers, now dispersed.
1785. GROSE, A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, s.v. AFFIDAVIT MEN, knights of the post, or false witnesses, said to attend Westminster Hall, and other courts of justice, ready to swear any thing for hire, distinguished by having straw stuck in the heels of their shoes.
