| Exodus 28:42
| Thou shalt make also linen breeches, to cover the flesh of their nakedness, from the reins to the thighs:
| Linen breeches, descending as far as the knees. (St. Jerome) In Exodus 39:29, they seem to have been made of byssus, or cotton. But as linen is prescribed in all other places, perhaps a word has crept in there, by mistake of the transcribers. They were intended to remind the priests of superior modesty, as they were not commonly worn. Homer never mentions them. Virgil only specifies the cloak and tunic of Evander. Augustus wore breeches and stockings in winter. (Suetonius) --- But the ancient breeches were not like ours, but resembled rather an apron or girdle, enveloping both thighs, and hanging from the waist. (Calmet)
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