surplice choir

Definition

Noun (compound): - A surplice choir is a choir in a church or cathedral whose members wear surplices — loose-fitting, white liturgical vestments with wide sleeves — as part of their official choir dress during services. This term specifically refers to the group of singers (often clergy, lay singers, or choristers) who are vested in surplices, distinguishing them from choirs that wear other types of robes or cassocks.

Usage Examples
  • (The group of singers wearing surplices walked in a formal procession.)
  • (The church has a choir that wears surplices during the main service.)
  • (The choir members wear matching white garments.)
Advanced Usage
  • "Surplice choir" is often used in Anglican, Roman Catholic, and Lutheran contexts to describe a choir that follows a specific liturgical dress code. It may contrast with "choir in cassocks" or "choir in albs," depending on the tradition.
    • The surplice choir sang the anthems with solemnity, their surplices symbolizing purity and devotion. (The choir wore liturgical vestments while performing sacred music.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Surplice (n): the white garment itself, worn over a cassock.
    • The chorister carefully folded his surplice after the service. (The white vestment was put away.)
  • Choir (n): a group of singers performing together, especially in a church.
    • The choir rehearsed the new hymn for the festival. (The singing group practiced.)
  • Surpliced (adj): wearing a surplice.
    • The surpliced choir members stood in two rows. (They were dressed in surplices.)
Synonyms
  • Vested choir: a choir that wears liturgical vestments (broader term).
  • Liturgical choir: a choir that participates in formal worship with specific dress.
Related Idioms
  • In surplice and stole: refers to clergy or choir members fully vested for a service.
    • The minister and the surplice choir entered in surplice and stole. (They wore the full liturgical attire.)
Notes for Language Learners
  • The word "surplice" is pronounced /ˈsɜːrplɪs/ (SUR-plis), and "choir" is pronounced /ˈkwaɪər/ (KWIRE). The compound "surplice choir" is not a separate dictionary entry in standard English, but it is a descriptive phrase used in liturgical contexts. It is not a single word but a noun phrase.