amice

¹ American  

[am-is] / ˈæm ɪs /

noun

Ecclesiastical.

1. an oblong vestment, usually of white linen, worn about the neck and shoulders and partly under the alb.

---

amice ² American  

[am-is] / ˈæm ɪs /

noun

1. almuce.

---

AMICE ¹ British  

abbreviation

1. Associate Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers

---

amice ² British  

/ ˈæmɪs /

noun

1. Christianity a rectangular piece of white linen worn by priests around the neck and shoulders under the alb or, formerly, on the head

---

amice ³ British  

/ ˈæmɪs /

noun

1. another word for almuce

---

Etymology

Origin of amice¹

1200–50; Middle English amice ( s ) < Old French amis, amys, plural of amit < Latin amictus mantle, cloak, equivalent to amic-, base of amicīre to wrap around ( am- ambi- + -ic-, combining stem of iacere to throw) + -tus noun suffix of verbal action (hence, originally the act of wrapping around)

Origin of amice²

late Middle English amisse < Middle French aumusse, aumuce < Spanish almucio < Latin almucia, almucium

Example Sentences

The neck was bare, the amice being as yet unknown; instead of the stole was what was called the orarium, a sort of handkerchief resting on the shoulders, and falling down on each side.

From Callista : a Tale of the Third Century by Newman, John Henry

The apparel of the alb, the amice round his neck, and the maniple of his left arm are shown as richly embroidered with gold.

From Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Rochester A Description of its Fabric and a Brief History of the Episcopal See by Palmer, G. H. (George Henry)

"Is this the amice of the friar you saw issue from the copse?" asked Ludwig, holding up a patched amice such as is worn by the Capuchin friars.

From Tales of the Wonder Club, Volume II by Huth, Alexander

Deacon,* stole worn over left shoulder, maniple, but no amice and no girdle; wears instead of alb a surplice with full sleeves—an unusual combination.

From Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Wells A Description of Its Fabric and a Brief History of the Episcopal See by Dearmer, Percy

These additions to the albe and amice were always used in England, and of course lace was unknown in old times.

From Bell's Cathedrals: Southwark Cathedral Formerly the Collegiate Church of St. Saviour, Otherwise St. Mary Overie. A Short History and Description of the Fabric, with Some Account of the College and the See by Worley, George

Related Words

• frock
• garb
• robe
• stole
• tunic