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Webster 1913 Edition
Surplice
Sur′plice
,Noun.
[F.
surplis
, OF. surpeiz
, LL. superpellicium
; super
over + pellicium
, pelliceum
, a robe of fur, L. pellicius
made of skins. See Pelisse
.] (Eccl.)
A white garment worn over another dress by the clergy of the Roman Catholic, Episcopal, and certain other churches, in some of their ministrations.
Surplice fees
(Eccl.)
, fees paid to the English clergy for occasional duties.
Webster 1828 Edition
Surplice
SURPLICE
,Noun.
A white garment worn by clergymen of some denominations over their other dress, in their ministrations. It is particularly the habit of the clergy of the church of England.