surplice
/'sə:pləs/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A loose-fitting, typically white, knee-length liturgical vestment with wide sleeves, worn over a cassock by clergy, acolytes, and choristers in various Christian denominations, especially during services.
Usage
The surplice is a specific type of ecclesiastical garment. It is worn for specific liturgical functions and is not general attire. - It is typically put on over a cassock. - It is commonly associated with services like the Eucharist, Morning Prayer, or Evensong. - Its wide sleeves and loose fit distinguish it from tighter-fitting vestments like the alb.
Examples
- Noun:
- The choirboys wore crisp white surplices over their black cassocks.
- The priest donned his surplice before proceeding to the altar.
- A linen surplice is a traditional vestment in many Anglican churches.
Advanced Usage
- "Cotta": A shorter form of the surplice, often reaching only to the waist or hips, commonly worn by servers in some Roman Catholic traditions.
- "Rochet": A vestment similar to a surplice but often made of finer linen or lace and worn by bishops and certain other clergy.
Variants and Related Words
- Surpliced (adj.): Describing someone who is wearing a surplice.
- The surpliced choir processed down the aisle.
Synonyms
- Ecclesiastical vestment: A general term for any garment worn by clergy for services.
- Liturgical robe: A robe worn for worship services.
Related Phrases
- "To vest in surplice and stole": A phrase describing the act of putting on these specific vestments for a liturgical role.
- The deacon vested in surplice and stole for the ceremony.
Noun
- a loose-fitting white ecclesiastical vestment with wide sleeves