What are the origins of the phrase hat in hand?

Factual Questions
1

I don’t hear this used much anymore. I heard it often within my older family.

possible origins? Webster only says 1851
My WAG This seems visual to me. Maybe a sketch or political cartoon of some politician apologizing for some indiscretion? It seems like this image should tie back to some event or person.

Any information out there? Google isn’t my friend tonight.

my definition
hat in hand - humbled, chastised, looking to apologize

Webster
in an attitude of respectful humility <have to go hat in hand to apologize>

2

In public men did not always take off their hats unless they were talking to a lady, or someone that could be considered a superior to them. Like a boss and such.

So taking off your hat and carrying it in your hand while you walked up to someone to talk to them was a humbling act. It was putting any pride aside. I believe that is where the expression came from.

3

Right, it’s basically a sign of humility. Acting humble and putting pride aside when asking for something (usually money).

4

It’s pretty obvious. It’s considered polite for men to remove their hats as a sign of respect (or it was). Therefore removing your hat is a sign of humility. If you go to someone to ask for pardon or a favor, you will take off your hat and necessarily be holding it in your hand as you stand in front of them.

5

hmm, I see your point. I didn’t consider the etiquette of that time. They did remove their hats to show respect. I guess the phrase just evolved from that then.

thanks

6

As a secondary function, it also allows for the askee to conveniently deposit said money into the hat.

7

One would assume that if you dug far enough back, it would be the removal of a helmet.

8

For a modern equivalent, talking to someone while wearing sunglasses is like it used to be talking to someone while wearing a hat.

9

I have only ever heard it as “cap in hand”

That, of course, makes the subservient meaning more obvious, because cap==‘is a member of the lower orders’ - otherwise he’d be wearing a hat.