old hat

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

a Victorian political catch-word.


1895. `The Argus,' May 11, p. 8, col. 3:

«Mr. Frank Stephen was the author of the well-known epithet`Old Hats,' which was applied to the rank and file of Sir JamesM'Culloch's supporters. The phrase had its origin throughMr. Stephen's declaration at an election meeting that theelectors ought to vote even for an old hat if it were putforward in support of the M'Culloch policy.»

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