E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Glass Slipper (of Cinderella).
A curious blunder of the translator, who has mistaken vair (sable) for verre (glass). Sable was worn only by kings and princes, so the fairy gave royal slippers to her favourite. Hamlet says he shall discard his mourning and resume “his suit of sables” (iii. 2).
