Dictionary.net

Men who used in former days to ply about courts of law, so called from their manner of making known their occupation, (/.. e., by a straw iu one of their shoes,) recognized by the name of "straw-shoes." An advocate or lawyer who wanted a convenient witness knew by these signs where to meet with one, and the colloquy between the parties was brief. "Don't you remember?" said the advocate; to which the ready answer was, "To be sure I do." "Then come into court and swear it." And straw- shoes went into court and swore. Athens abounded in straw-shoes. Quart. Rev. vol. 33, p. 344. .