surplice
a loose-fitting, broad-sleeved white vestment, worn over the cassock by clergy and choristers.
a garment in which the two halves of the front cross diagonally.
Origin of surplice
1Other words from surplice
- surpliced, adjective
- un·sur·pliced, adjective
Words that may be confused with surplice
- surplice , surplus
Words Nearby surplice
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use surplice in a sentence
The name is now appropriated to the short surplice worn by bishops over their cassocks.'
Chaucer's Works, Volume 1 (of 7) -- Romaunt of the Rose; Minor Poems | Geoffrey ChaucerWhile conducting the preliminary service he wears a white surplice; in the pulpit he has a black gown.
Our Churches and Chapels | AtticusHe wears neither surplice nor black gown in the pulpit, and does quite as well without as with them.
Our Churches and Chapels | AtticusPre Glorieux, opening his knapsack, drew a surplice over his uniform and rose with a sudden majesty.
The Wasted Generation | Owen JohnsonIf you could see him come out of the vestry in his white surplice, with his rapt face and prophetic eyes.
The Man Between | Amelia E. Barr
British Dictionary definitions for surplice
/ (ˈsɜːplɪs) /
a loose wide-sleeved liturgical vestment of linen, reaching to the knees, worn over the cassock by clergymen, choristers, and acolytes
Origin of surplice
1Derived forms of surplice
- surpliced, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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