amice
Definition
- Noun:
- Liturgical vestment: An "amice" is a rectangular piece of linen worn by Christian clergy, especially in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran traditions. It is placed over the shoulders and tied around the neck, and it may also be worn over the head as a hood before being adjusted to lie flat on the shoulders during the celebration of the Eucharist.
Usage Examples
- (The liturgical linen vestment used by clergy.)
- (The vestment was decorated with fine needlework.)
Advanced Usage
"to wear the amice": to use this vestment as part of liturgical dress.
- The bishop instructed the deacon to wear the amice properly for the solemn mass. (To don the liturgical linen garment.)
"the amice as a symbol": In Christian symbolism, the amice represents the helmet of salvation or the veil of humility.
- The amice, when placed on the head, is a reminder of the spiritual armour described in the Bible. (The vestment carries a symbolic meaning of protection and humility.)
Variants and Related Words
- Amice (n): no common variants, but the word is sometimes spelled in Latin contexts.
- Amictus (n): a Latin term for a cloak or mantle, related to the amice.
- The amictus was a simple garment worn by ancient Romans. (A related Latin word for a covering.)
Synonyms
- Hood: a covering for the head, though not identical in liturgical use.
- Vestment: a general term for ceremonial garments worn by clergy.
Phrasal Verbs
- None: "amice" is not used in phrasal verbs.
Related Idioms
- None: "amice" does not appear in common idioms.
Additional Notes
- The amice is distinct from other vestments like the (a long white tunic) or the (the outer vestment). It is typically the first vestment put on during the dressing ritual, symbolizing the "helmet of salvation" mentioned in Ephesians 6:17.