apple-pie order

English

Etymology

Unknown. First recorded in 1780 in the sea journal of an Englishman. There are two respectable-sounding theories as to its origin, although there is no evidence for either:

• French cap-à-pie (“head to foot”)
• French nappe plié (“folded linen”)

The term apple-pie bed originates from around the same period, which gives a bit more credibility to the "folded linen" origin.

Noun

apple-pie order

1. (colloquial, dated) A neat and tidy arrangement or organization
   • 1899, Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness, section 1

     And he was devoted to his books, which were in apple-pie order.

References

• Partridge, Dictionary of Slang, 7th Ed.
• "Apple-pie order" in Michael Quinion, Ballyhoo, Buckaroo, and Spuds, 2004.