Definition

1. Noun:
   • A long, white, sleeved linen robe worn as a liturgical vestment by priests, deacons, and other clergy members during certain Christian religious services, particularly in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and some Lutheran traditions.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The priest put on his alb before celebrating Mass.
  • The simple white alb is often worn under other vestments like the chasuble.

Advanced Usage

• "To vest in an alb": To put on or be clothed in an alb as part of liturgical preparation.
  • The acolytes vested in albs before the procession.

Variants and Related Words

• Alb is a singular noun. Its standard plural form is albs.
• Alba: An alternative, less common plural form, directly from Latin.
• Surplice: A related liturgical vestment; a loose, white, knee-length gown with wide sleeves, often worn over a cassock. It is distinct from the typically full-length, close-sleeved alb.

Synonyms

• Liturgical robe: A general term for a robe used in worship.
• Vestment: A broader term for any of the ritual garments worn by clergy.

Related Phrases

• "Alb and chasuble": A common pairing of vestments, where the alb is the base garment and the chasuble is the outer, often ornate, mantle.
  • The bishop was dressed in his alb and chasuble.

Related Idioms

• The term "alb" is specific to its religious context and is not typically used in idiomatic expressions.

Noun

1. a white linen liturgical vestment with sleeves; worn by priests