Definition

Adjective: Wearing a surplice. A surplice is a loose, white liturgical vestment, typically with wide sleeves, worn over a cassock by clergy and choir members in some Christian churches.

Usage

The word surpliced is used to describe a person, typically a cleric or a choir member, who is attired in a surplice. It is a descriptive term often found in literary, historical, or religious contexts.

Examples

• The surpliced choir processed slowly down the aisle.
• In the old painting, a surpliced priest is shown administering the sacrament.
• The ceremony was performed by surpliced clergy.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used attributively (before a noun) as in "a surpliced figure" or predicatively (after a linking verb) as in "the acolytes were surpliced."
• It often carries connotations of tradition, formality, and ecclesiastical ceremony.

Variants and Related Words

• Surplice (noun): The white vestment itself.
• Unsurpliced (adjective): Not wearing a surplice.

Synonyms

• Vestmented
• Robed (when specifying the type of robe requires context)

Antonyms

• Unsurpliced
• Secularly dressed
• In civilian clothes

Notes

Surpliced is a specific and somewhat formal or literary adjective. In everyday speech, one might simply say "wearing a surplice" instead. Its use is almost entirely restricted to describing participants in Christian (particularly Anglican, Roman Catholic, and Lutheran) worship services.

Adjective

1. wearing a surplice