Livery

It concerned them first to sue out their livery from the unjust wardship of his encroaching prerogative.

A Haberdasher and a Carpenter,
A Webbe, a Dyer, and a Tapicer,
And they were clothed all in one livery
Of a solempne and a gret fraternite.

From the periodical deliveries of these characteristic articles of servile costume (blue coats) came our word livery.

Now came still evening on, and twilight gray
Had in her sober livery all things clad.

The emperor's officers every night went through the town from house to house whereat any English gentleman did repast or lodge, and served their liveries for all night: first, the officers brought into the house a cast of fine manchet [white bread], and of silver two great pots, and white wine, and sugar.

What livery is, we by common use in England know well enough, namely, that is, allowance of horse meat, as to keep horses at livery, the which word, I guess, is derived of livering or delivering forth their nightly food.

It need hardly be observed that the explanation of livery which Spenser offers is perfectly correct, but . . . it is no longer applied to the ration or stated portion of food delivered at stated periods.

Pegasus does not stand at livery even at the largest establishment in Moorfields.