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

The name is now appropriated to the short surplice worn by bishops over their cassocks.'

From Project Gutenberg

While conducting the preliminary service he wears a white surplice; in the pulpit he has a black gown.

From Project Gutenberg

He wears neither surplice nor black gown in the pulpit, and does quite as well without as with them.

From Project Gutenberg

Pre Glorieux, opening his knapsack, drew a surplice over his uniform and rose with a sudden majesty.

From Project Gutenberg

If you could see him come out of the vestry in his white surplice, with his rapt face and prophetic eyes.

From Project Gutenberg