Haberdasher
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A haberdasher is a person who sells small items via retail, commonly items used in clothing, such as ribbons and buttons, or completed accessories, such as hats or gloves. A haberdasher's shop or the items sold therein are called haberdashery.
The exact definition of haberdasher depends on the locale. In the United States, it is primarily used for a person who sells men's clothing accessories. In the British Isles, it is more common to hear this word in reference to someone who sells buttons, thread, ribbons, or drapery, but the term is much less common than it once was as fewer people make their own clothes nowadays. In 21st century Britain specialist haberdashery shops are rare, but many department stores still have a haberdashery department.
Early usage of the term "haberdasher" refers to a retailer of many accessories, including swords, horns, mousetraps, and crucifixes.
The term may come from the Anglo-Norman word hapertas, meaning petty wares.
[edit] Notable haberdashers
- Robert Aske — philanthropist
- Captain James Cook, (R.N., FRS) — (18th century British navigator and explorer, apprenticed in his youth)
- Paavo Nurmi — (legendary Finnish runner)
- Harry S. Truman — (U.S. President)
- Saint Louis IX — King of France in 1215, the patron saint of haberdashers
- John Graunt - one of the first demographers
