surplice

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a loose white Christian liturgical vestment with wide sleeves, worn over a cassock by clergy and other ministers

   The priest put on a white surplice before entering the chancel.

From Middle English surplys, through Old French surpeliz from Medieval Latin superpellicium. The Latin compound combines super, 'over,' with pellicium, 'fur garment,' because the loose linen vestment could be worn over the fur clothing used in cold churches.

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