Question

Read the passage from Hamlet, Act I, Scene iii.

Polonius: Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy,
But not express’d in fancy; rich, not gaudy;
For the apparel oft proclaims the man,
And they in France of the best rank and station
Are most select and generous, chief in that.

Which meaning of habit does Shakespeare use in this passage?

addiction
attire
behavior
custom

Answer 1

Shakespeare is using the meaning of attire in this passage. The line "costly thy habit as thy purse can buy" is referring to clothing, not addiction or behavior. The following line mentions "rich, not gaudy," which further supports the idea that he is talking about clothing. He then mentions how the apparel often gives insight into a person's rank and station, and how those of the best rank in France are most select and generous when it comes to clothing.