surplice

[ sur-plis ]

noun

1. a loose-fitting, broad-sleeved white vestment, worn over the cassock by clergy and choristers.
2. a garment in which the two halves of the front cross diagonally.

surplice

/ ˈsɜːplɪs /

noun

1. a loose wide-sleeved liturgical vestment of linen, reaching to the knees, worn over the cassock by clergymen, choristers, and acolytes

Derived Forms

• ˈsurpliced, adjective

Other Words From

• surpliced adjective
• un·surpliced adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of surplice¹

1250–1300; Middle English surplis < Anglo-French surpliz, syncopated variant of Old French surpeliz < Medieval Latin superpellīcium ( vestīmentum ) over-pelt (garment), neuter of superpellīcius (adj.), equivalent to Latin super- super- + pellīt ( us ) clothed with skins + -ius adj. suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of surplice¹

C13: via Anglo-French from Old French sourpelis, from Medieval Latin superpellīcium, from super- + pellīcium coat made of skins, from Latin pellis a skin

Example Sentences

I burnt for the more active life of the world—for the more exciting toils of a literary career—for the destiny of an artist, author, orator; anything rather than that of a priest: yes, the heart of a politician, of a soldier, of a votary of glory, a lover of renown, a luster after power, beat under my curate’s surplice.

From Literature

“Mr. Wood is in the vestry, sir, putting on his surplice.”

From Literature

We entered the quiet and humble temple; the priest waited in his white surplice at the lowly altar, the clerk beside him.

From Literature

Ms. Smith had already sourced her dress, an ivory, ankle-length gown, with three-quarter-length sleeves and a high surplice neckline from David’s Bridal.

From New York Times

In the novel, we get to know the men by their nicknames: Mexique, Judas, One-Eyed Dah-veed, Monsieur Pet-airs, the Young Pole, Bill the Hollander, Garibaldi, Surplice, the Woodchuck and so on.

From New York Times