I think it's Warde paraphrased. I think she said something like "the clothes they (words) wear". Trying to find where I saw it now.

"People who love ideas must have a love of words, and that means, given a chance they will take a vivid interest in the clothes which words wear." —Beatrice Warde

IndieFonts 2, pg 634, in the Parkinson Type Design section

Jimmy P is proof enough for me. Thanks Karen!