canonicals

A priest wears his canonicals during the Sunday service.

Definition

1. Noun (plural):
   • Ecclesiastical garments: "canonicals" refers to the official vestments or robes worn by clergy (especially Anglican or Catholic priests) during religious services, as prescribed by church law or canon.

Usage Examples

• (He put on his official clerical robes.)
• (The bishop's vestments were ornate and formal.)
• (These garments are reserved for specific liturgical occasions.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be in canonicals": to be wearing official ecclesiastical dress.

  • The dean was in full canonicals for the cathedral procession. (He was dressed in complete formal vestments.)

• "canonicals of office": specific vestments associated with a particular rank or role in the church.

  • The verger's canonicals differed from those of the priest. (The verger's official attire was distinct.)

Variants and Related Words

• Canonical (adj): relating to church law or canon.

  • The canonical hours are fixed times for prayer. (Prescribed by church rules.)

• Canon (n): a church law or rule; also a member of a cathedral chapter.

  • The canon wore his canonicals during the cathedral service. (The church official wore his vestments.)

• Vestments (n): general term for ceremonial garments worn by clergy.

  • The canonicals are a subset of vestments specific to certain rites.

Synonyms

• Vestments: official garments worn during religious ceremonies.
• Robes: long, flowing garments, especially those worn by clergy.
• Regalia: ceremonial attire and insignia of office.

Idioms (none directly applicable, but related phrases)

• "Put on the canonicals": to assume a formal or official clerical role.
  • He put on the canonicals and stepped into the pulpit. (He dressed for his religious duty.)

Notes

• The word "canonicals" is almost always used in the plural form, as it refers to a set of garments.
• It is a specialized term primarily found in religious or historical contexts, not in everyday conversation.