IN ONE’S STOCKINGS (or STOCKING-FEET), adv. phr. (colloquial).—Without shoes.
1809. IRVING, Knickerbocker History of New-York, III. iii. 154. The mistress and her confidential maid, who visited it [the house] once a week … leaving their shoes at the door, and entering devoutly on their STOCKING FEET.
1854–5. THACKERAY, The Newcomes, viii. Binnie found the Colonel in his sitting-room, arrayed in what are called in Scotland his STOCKING-FEET.
LONG-STOCKING, subs. phr. (common).—Means in plenty; resources.
