Catholic Dictionary
Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
Your Term:
MOZZETTA
A nonliturgical cape made of silk or wool reaching to the elbows and closed with buttons in front. At the neck there is a small hood attached. It can be worn by the Pope and as a special privilege, by cardinals, bishops, and certain abbots. It signifies jurisdiction and is worn over the rochets. Its color is red, white, purple or black depending on the wearer's status. A similar cape is worn by members of some religious orders, e.g., Dominicans and Franciscans, as part of their monastic habit. (Etym. Italian mozzetta, a short cape with a small hood.)
