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Surplice: meaning, definitions and examples

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surplice

 

[ ˈsɜːrplɪs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious garment

A surplice is a loose-fitting white linen or cotton overgarment worn by clergy or choir members during worship services. It usually features wide sleeves and is typically worn over a cassock. The surplice symbolizes purity and is often associated with liturgical functions in many Christian denominations.

Synonyms

alb, vestment

Examples of usage

  • The priest wore a surplice during the Sunday service.
  • Choir members donned their surplices before the concert.
  • During the baptism ceremony, the officiant was dressed in a surplice.

Translations

Translations of the word "surplice" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sobrepeliz

🇮🇳 सर्पलिस

🇩🇪 Surplice

🇮🇩 surplice

🇺🇦 сурпліс

🇵🇱 sukienka liturgiczna

🇯🇵 サープリス

🇫🇷 surplis

🇪🇸 sobrepelliz

🇹🇷 surplice

🇰🇷 서플리스

🇸🇦 السوربليس

🇨🇿 surplice

🇸🇰 surplice

🇨🇳 法衣

🇸🇮 surplice

🇮🇸 súrplís

🇰🇿 сурплис

🇬🇪 სურპლისი

🇦🇿 surplice

🇲🇽 sobrepelliz

Etymology

The word 'surplice' comes from the Old French word 'surplis,' which means 'overplus' or 'overgarment.' This, in turn, is derived from the Latin term 'superpelliceum,' composed of 'super-' (meaning 'above' or 'over') and 'pelliceum' (meaning 'pelage' or 'fur garment'). Originally, the surplice was used in the medieval period as a liturgical garment worn over the cassock by clergy during church services. The design and fabric of surplices varied over time, often reflecting the styles and materials available in different historical periods. As a vestment, it has maintained its significance in many Christian liturgical traditions, serving as a marker of clerical identity and function.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,243, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.