Colloquial Language
Bishops were formerly called "magpies" in humour or derision because of their black and white vestments.
Lawyers as vultures, had soared up and down; / Prelates, like Magpies, in the Air had flown.--Howell's Letters: Lines to the knowing reader.
Read more about this topic: European Magpie, Magpie in Culture, Popular Culture
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