Flesh-bag

In 1844, the governor of Oakham Gaol overheard inmate and burglar William Bates divulge that, despite wearing his 'flesh-bag' over his clothes to alter his appearance, his victim recognised him at his preliminary hearing […]

The convict's new-found ability to purchase silk and self-fashion as a dandy marks his escape from impoverishment, filling his stomach and his 'flesh-bag' – the evocative flash word for shirt.