E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Bristol Fashion (In).
Methodical and orderly. More generally “Shipshape and Bristol fashion.”
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“In the great mass meeting. October 18th, 1884, a route of above three miles was observed in one unbroken line. No cheering disturbed the stately solemnity; no one ran to give any direction; no noise of any kind was heard, but on, in one unbroken line, steady and stately, marched the throng in ‘Bristol fashion.’”—Daily News, October 20th, 1884.
