Definition of surplice in English:
surplice
noun ˈsəːplɪsˈsərpləs
A loose white linen vestment varying from hip-length to calf-length, worn over a cassock by clergy and choristers at Christian church services.
- However, it doesn't match any of the new surplices that have been bought, which go down to about knee level, so I'll not be allowed to wear it in future - at least, not when I'm singing with the rest of my choir.
- Stretching along each side are lines of choirboys and girls in bright surplices, holding flags and honey-scented tapers.
- White T-shirts, white jeans, white ponchos, even white surplices stood out in the hot July sun.
- A piano was played, hymns were sung, we all duly recited the confession, creeds and responses, and the curate ascended the pulpit with surplice flowing.
- This was about the clerk of that parish, whose wife used to wash the parson's surplices.
- Powerful lights made their white surplices glow like neon, and the pulpitted priest seemed to be borne aloft on a cloud of pure radiance.
- He became a canon of Salisbury in 1563, but objected to the use of the surplice and to contributing to the repairs of the cathedral.
- ‘If they were presented in ruffs and surplices,’ Stainer contends, ‘it might alienate people.’
- History will be made that weekend when the standard of the order will be raised in the town by the local Knights, who wear a surplice with the cross emblem.
- Once I had stuffed myself behind the wheel with my surplice billowing around me like a collapsed parachute, I switched into passive mode.
vestment, cassock, rochet, alb, dalmatic, chasuble
Derivatives
surpliced
- Several churches in Cornwall record the first appearance of a surpliced choir, singing in the chancel, and accompanied by an organ.
- Gradually a surpliced choir began to lead the music.
- This church introduced a surpliced choir, pew rental and housed the first pipe organ and heating system in San Diego.
- We had banners, chanting, and a number of surpliced clergy, besides a large congregation.
- The introduction of the surpliced choir in England has been associated with the Cambridge Camden Society.
adjective ˈsəːplɪstˈsərpləst
Origin
Middle English: from Old French sourpelis, from medieval Latin superpellicium, from super- 'above' + pellicia 'fur garment'.
Definition of surplice in US English:
surplice
nounˈsərpləsˈsərpləs
A loose white linen vestment varying from hip-length to calf-length, worn over a cassock by clergy, acolytes, and choristers at Christian church services.
- A piano was played, hymns were sung, we all duly recited the confession, creeds and responses, and the curate ascended the pulpit with surplice flowing.
- However, it doesn't match any of the new surplices that have been bought, which go down to about knee level, so I'll not be allowed to wear it in future - at least, not when I'm singing with the rest of my choir.
- ‘If they were presented in ruffs and surplices,’ Stainer contends, ‘it might alienate people.’
- He became a canon of Salisbury in 1563, but objected to the use of the surplice and to contributing to the repairs of the cathedral.
- History will be made that weekend when the standard of the order will be raised in the town by the local Knights, who wear a surplice with the cross emblem.
- This was about the clerk of that parish, whose wife used to wash the parson's surplices.
- Powerful lights made their white surplices glow like neon, and the pulpitted priest seemed to be borne aloft on a cloud of pure radiance.
- Once I had stuffed myself behind the wheel with my surplice billowing around me like a collapsed parachute, I switched into passive mode.
- Stretching along each side are lines of choirboys and girls in bright surplices, holding flags and honey-scented tapers.
- White T-shirts, white jeans, white ponchos, even white surplices stood out in the hot July sun.
vestment, cassock, rochet, alb, dalmatic, chasuble
Origin
Middle English: from Old French sourpelis, from medieval Latin superpellicium, from super- ‘above’ + pellicia ‘fur garment’.