First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1surplice
noun sur·plice \ˈsər-pləs\
: a loose, white piece of clothing that is worn by priests or singers at church services
Full Definition of SURPLICE
: a loose white outer ecclesiastical vestment usually of knee length with large open sleeves
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Origin of SURPLICE
Middle English surplis, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin superpellicium, from super- + pellicium coat of skins, from Latin, neuter of pellicius made of skins, from pellis skin — more at fell
Other Clothing Terms
2surplice
adjective
Definition of SURPLICE
: having a diagonally overlapping neckline or closing <a surplice collar> <surplice sweaters>
First Known Use of SURPLICE
circa 1897
Other Clothing Terms
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