Noachian Cut

An overcoat of Noachian cut is a literary phrase meaning an extremely old fashioned, ancient or outdated coat. The term origanates from Thomas Hardy's 1874 Victorian novel, Far From The Madding Crowd, where it is used to describe the disguise of the character Sergeant Troy. 

Noachian refers directly to the biblical figure Noah and the Great Flood.  Describing a garment's cut as Noachian is a humorous exaggeration implying the style is so old it dates back to Noah's Ark. 

In Chapter 52 of the novel sergeant Troy wears a heavy grey overcoat of Noachian cut, with cape and high collar.  The collar is described as stiff, upright, and rigid like a wall. 

In the late19th century it was archaic but were common in the late 18th and early 19th century; but looked relics by the late Victorian era. 

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