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.

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SURPLICE

A large-sleeved tunic of half length, made of linen or cotton, without a cincture, and occasionally enbroidered at hem and sleeves. It is a liturgical garment worn by all clergy in choir, during processions, and when administering the sacraments. (Etym. Latin superpellicium [originally worn by clergymen of northern countries over their fur coats].)