Christian Religious Vestments

Vestment	Description
alb	A long white garment reaching to the ankles; derived from an ancient tunic
amice	A linen square worn round the back to protect the other vestments; formerly a neckcloth
apparels	Ornamental panels at the foot of the alb, front and back, and on the amice
cassock	The long black gown worn under other vestments; formerly, the daily working costume of the clergy
chasuble	Outer sleeveless vestment worn by a priest or bishop when celebrating Holy Communion; derived from the commonest outdoor garment of classical times
chimere	Worn by bishops over the rochet; of black or scarlet, open in front
cope	In the pre-Christian era, a long cloak; now a costly embroidered vestment, semi-circular in shape, worn by bishops and priests on special occasions
cotta	Similar to the surplice, but shorter, especially in the sleeves; sometimes used by clergy and servers in place of the surplice
girdle	Cord worn around the waist
hood	Worn by a clergy at choir offices; a medieval headdress, now worn hanging down the back; denotes a university degree
maniple	Worn over the left arm by bishops, priests, and deacons at the Eucharist; originally a napkin
orphreys	The embroidered strips, customarily cross-shaped, on a chasuble
rochet	Worn by bishops, similar to an alb, but used without girdle or apparels
stole	Once a napkin or towel carried by servants on the left shoulder; now folded and narrow, worn over both shoulders
surplice	Of white linen, reaching to the knees; worn by choirs and servers as well as clergy

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Last updated: 2005-01-17