Surplice
- A
large-sleeved tunic of half-length, made of fine linen or cotton,
and worn by all the clergy. The wide sleeves distinguish it from
the rochet and the alb; it differs from the alb inasmuch as it is
shorter and is never girded. It is ornamented at the hem and the
sleeves either with embroidery, with lace-like insertions, or with
lace. . The surplice belongs to the liturgical vestment in the strict
sense, and is the vestment most used. It is the choir dress, the
vestment for processions, the official priestly dress of the lower
clergy, the vestment worn by the priest in administering the sacraments,
when giving blessings, at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament,
etc.; in the last-mentioned cases it is the substitute for the alb,
which, according to present custom, is worn only at Mass and a few
other functions.
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