Word Study
surplice
CIDE DICTIONARY
surplice, n. [F. surplis, OF. surpeiz, LL. superpellicium; super over + pellicium, pelliceum, a robe of fur, L. pellicius made of skins. See Pelisse.].
A white garment worn over another dress by the clergy of the Roman Catholic, Episcopal, and certain other churches, in some of their ministrations. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
surplice, n. a loose white linen vestment reaching the knees, worn over a cassock by clergy and choristers at services.
Derivative
surpliced adj.
Etymology
ME f. AF surplis, OF sourpelis, f. med.L superpellicium (as SUPER-, pellicia PELISSE)
ROGET THESAURUS
surplice
Canonicals
N canonicals, vestments, robe, gown, Geneva gown frock, pallium, surplice, cassock, dalmatic, scapulary, cope, mozetta, scarf, tunicle, chasuble, alb, alba, stole, fanon, fannel, tonsure, cowl, hood, calote, calotte, bands, capouch, amice, vagas, vakas, vakass, apron, lawn sleeves, pontificals, pall, miter, tiara, triple crown, shovel hat, cardinal's hat, biretta, crosier, pastoral staff, thurifer, costume.For further exploring for "surplice" in Webster Dictionary Online