subs. (common).—1. A King’s Counsel; also SILK-GOWN. [The canonical K.C.’s robe is of silk; that of a Junior Counsel of stuff.] Hence TO TAKE SILK = to attain the rank of King’s (or Queen’s) Counsel. 2. (clerical) = a bishop: the apron is of silk.
1838. D. JERROLD, Men of Character (John Applejohn), viii. The finest lawn [bishop] makes common cause with any linen bands—the SILKEN APRON shrinks not from poor prunella.
1853. DICKENS, Bleak House, i. Mr. Blowers the eminent SILK GOWN.
1872. Standard, 16 Aug., Second Leader. Mr. J. P. Benjamin (an American gentleman) has, in the professional phrase, RECEIVED SILK; in other words has been raised to the rank of Queen’s Counsel at the English Bar.
1889. Pall Mall Gazette, 6 Nov., 6, 1. Some time ago the presence of a learned SILK was required in court at eleven o’clock.
1890. Globe, 6 May, 6, 1. Mr. Reid’s rise has been steady and sure. Called at the age of twenty-five, he TOOK SILK only eleven years later, and is now a Bencher of his Inn at the age of forty-four.
TO CARRY (or SPORT) SILK, verb. phr. (racing).—To run (or RIDE) in a race.
1884. HAWLEY SMART, From Post to Finish, 219. One thing he was clear about—that there could be no hope of his passing unrecognised if he WORE SILK on the Town Moor.
1889. Licensed Victuallers’ Gazette, 18 Jan. The largest number we saw CARRY SILK during the two days.
