to dye in the wool
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Dye \Dye\ (d[imac]), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Dyed (d[imac]d); p. pr. & vb. n. Dyeing.] [OE. deyan, dyen, AS. de['a]gian.] To stain; to color; to give a new and permanent color to, as by the application of dyestuffs. [1913 Webster]
Cloth to be dyed of divers colors. --Trench. [1913 Webster]
The soul is dyed by its thoughts. --Lubbock. [1913 Webster]
To dye in the grain, To dye in the wool (Fig.), to dye firmly; to imbue thoroughly. [1913 Webster]
He might truly be termed a legitimate son of the revenue system dyed in the wool.— Hawthorne.
Syn: See Stain. [1913 Webster]