Note k — THE LEPER IN ENGLAND.
Reading edition
Russet was a coarse cloth of a reddish brown or grey colour, said by Henry de Knyghton c. 1380, to have been introduced into England by the Lollards.
Hall in his “Satires” says, “Russet clothes in the 16th century are indicative of countryfolk.”
The tunic is a very ancient garment, it is found on the sculptures and paintings of Early Egypt; it was in constant use by the Greeks, and was ultimately adopted by the Romans. It was worn in this country, in a variety of forms and lengths until the end of the fifteenth century. (Costumes in England, by Fairholt, ed. by Hon. H. Dillon, Vol. II.)