Surplice
['sɜːplɪs] or ['sɝpləs]
Definition
(noun.) a loose-fitting white ecclesiastical vestment with wide sleeves.
Edited by Elvis--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) A white garment worn over another dress by the clergy of the Roman Catholic, Episcopal, and certain other churches, in some of their ministrations.
Edited by Francine
Definition
n. a white linen garment worn over the cassock by clerks of all degrees most commonly used for the service of the choir and also employed along with the stole by priests in the administration of the sacraments and in preaching.—adj. Sur′pliced wearing a surplice.
Inputed by Delia
Examples
- The pa'son wears a suit of clothes under his surplice! Thomas Hardy. The Return of the Native.
- It's a surplice, that's what it is. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- The old reprobate with the surplice burst into a volley of bad language. Arthur Conan Doyle. The Return of Sherlock Holmes.
- Wood, close your book and take off your surplice; John Green (to the clerk), leave the church: there will be no wedding to-day. Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
- We entered the quiet and humble temple; the priest waited in his white surplice at the lowly altar, the clerk beside him. Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
- Do look at Humphrey: one might fancy him an ugly archangel towering above them in his white surplice. George Eliot. Middlemarch.
- Mr. Wood is in the vestry, sir, putting on his surplice. Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
- There were the pa'son in his surplice holding up his hand and saying, 'Sit down, my good people, sit down! Thomas Hardy. The Return of the Native.
- Immediately afterwards, the clergyman appeared: putting on his surplice as he came along. Charles Dickens. Oliver Twist.
Edited by Leopold