E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Hanger (A).
Properly the fringed loop or strap hung to the girdle by which the dagger was suspended, but applied by a common figure of speech to the sword or dagger itself.
1
“Men’s swords in hangers hang fast by their side.”—J. Taylor (1630).
