lawn sleeves

alternative lawn-sleeves

1. pluralplural onlyUsed other than figuratively or idiomatically: see lawn, sleeves.
2. pluralplural onlyThe sleeves of a bishop's ceremonial garments.

   The LORD CHANCELLOR declared, that in his opinion, a bishop might vote either in his lawn sleeves, or in his robes ; and in proof of it, his Lordship said he hasd more than once seen Bishops vote in a Committee of Privileges without their lawn sleeves.

   1800, “House of Lords, Wedneday, July 23”, in The Parliamentary Register, volume 12, page 481

3. pluralplural onlyThe bishops of the Anglican or Roman Catholic churches.

   I shall implore the aid of the lawn sleeves and ermine on that occasion.

   1777, “Debate on Lord C------n's motion more amending the address”, in John Nichols, editor, The Gentleman's magazine, volume 47, E. Cave, page 606

   1 more example

   “In the House of Lords, most likely. I rather think of bein there to-morrow night, and shal look sharpish after the lawn sleeves, you ma depend on’t."

   1845, James Anthony Froude, John Tulloch, editors, Fraser's Magazine, volume 32, J. Fraser