Eochair úaisle étach.

Eochair úaisle étach.

(key * of nobility * clothing)

Clothing is the key to nobility.

Clothes make the man.

This is another one of the “eochair” maxims (ZCP 6/271-2). O’Mulconry’s Glossary contains the similar observation “Is dóescair cách can étach n-imbe” = “Without clothing on, everyone is a commoner”. Modern versions are “Is é an duine an t-éadach” and “Is é an t-éadach a ní an duine,” and Scottish Gaelic “’Sé an gille an t-aodach, ach ’se an laochan am biadh.”

Topics: Maxims & Wise Counsel