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                                                                      EXHIBIT 23
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
     We consent to the incorporation by reference in each Registration Statement
of CLARCOR Inc. on Form S-8 (file numbers 33-5456, 33-38590, 33-39374, 33-53763
and 33-53899) of our reports dated January 9, 1998, on our audits of the
consolidated financial statements of CLARCOR Inc. and Subsidiaries as of
November 30, 1997 and 1996 and for the years ended November 30, 1997, 1996 and
1995, and the financial statement schedule for the years ended November 30,
1997, 1996, and 1995, which reports are included or incorporated by reference in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
                                         COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
Chicago, Illinois
February 18, 1998