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RABAT

Formerly part of the clerical attire of French priests, but no longer in general use. It consists of a piece of black material attached to a rudimentary collar and resting on the upper chest. Now practically replaced by the Roman collar. Brothers of the Christian Schools wear a white rabat. The equivalent of a rabat is part of the dress of Catholic priests in other countries, as a black piece of cloth worn under the suit coat and with a clerical collar.

All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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