From the book
The Gods Are Athirst
Anatole France · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Meaning
Lemma.
Literally something that hides poverty or deficiency; here a disparaging name for ready-made garments that disguise rather than solve problems of dress. Thévenin applies it to the winter clothes Élodie mentions. The supplied English “makeshifts” preserves contempt without implying a specific poor wearer is being identified.
Places to read
- Chapter X, paragraph 24FrenchCe sont des cache-misère: They are makeshifts. Thévenin says the garments are sold ready-made and recommends a dressmaker.