Thirteen and the odd

[Christopher Philippo]

“an executioner in an up to date South American republic is supposed to wear evening dress when performing the duties of his office.  M. de Paris, the gentleman who despatches French criminals, long ago established that precedent, and it is now religiously followed in all Latin countries.  A Rough Rider in a coat cut according to the pattern known in Chicago and Texas as ’thirteen-and-the-odd’ is a spectacle not to be considered lightly.”
“Want to Be Executioner? Some South American Republic Is Looking for a Man Who Is Up to Date.” N.Y. Herald. September 19, 1898: 7 col 5.

“’Tod’ was as graceful and courteous as it is possible to be.  He shook hands with this man and that woman, then went to his room and came down in half an hour dressed in his ’thirteens and the odd,’ as the boys around Saratoga call a Tuxedo and low cut vest.”
“Sloan Pays a Visit to Saratoga.” N.Y. Evening Telegram. August 11, 1899: 7 col 1.

“Many of the regulars are taking in the Horse Show this week.  In the evenings the talent are decked in ’thirteen and the odd’ and they parade the Garden looking society over.”
“Turf Happenings and Comment.”  N.Y. Evening Telegram. November 15, 1899: 8 col 5.

“’It seems they went home and dressed.  Coleman got into his thirteen in the odd’—
“’Thirteen in the odd?’ questioned some one.
“’Frock and top hat,’ explained the Pink, ‘and the girl pulled as swell a gown as was worn at that function.  Then they ordered the best driving outfit in the town, and drove up with coach and footman in style.’”
“This from a ‘Pink’; How the Late Coleman, Confidence Man, Attended Mrs. Potter’s Reception to the Infanta Eulalie As Me Lord Kiddington, with His Pal, Me Lady Kiddington.” N.Y. Morning Telegraph. October 2, 1904: 8 col 3.

“thirteen-and-the-odd”; “thirteens and the odd”; “thirteen and the odd”; “thirteen in the odd”

Perhaps it’s already been suggested, but it might be to suggest someone clad exponentially finer than one “dressed to the nines”?

Christopher K. Philippo
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