Definition

A type of rough fabric made from materials like goat or camel's hair, often used to make garments that symbolize mourning or repentance.

Example

During the ceremony, many people wore sackcloth to show their sorrow.

Conversation

I saw someone wearing sackcloth at the festival yesterday.

Really? That’s quite unusual for a celebration.

Yeah, it seemed like a symbol of mourning or something.

I guess some people express their feelings in different ways.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sackcloth → It is formed from "sack" (from Old English *sæc*, meaning a bag or sack) and "cloth" (from Old English *clāþ*, meaning a piece of fabric). The word "sackcloth" refers to a type of coarse fabric made from sack material, often used in mourning or penance.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'bag' ('sack') made of 'fabric' ('cloth') — that's why sackcloth is a rough material often used for mourning.

Visually Confused Words