plus ou moins catholiques

[coconutpalm]

... après s'être procuré par moyens plus ou moins catholiques un peu du papier de la tenture...
Columba

I don't understand what the colored part means. My footnote says that it means "moral". However, I think the author means that Miss Lydia obtained part of the hanging in some immoral way, right?

Any input is appreciated.

 

[floise]

coconutpalm,

Yes, she might have stolen it, or taken it unlawfully some way or another.

floise

 

[coconutpalm]

Thank you for your confirmation, Floise!
So, why didn't the author write "moins catholique" instead of "plus ou moins catholique"? For ironic effect?
But how to translate it?