vestment

/ˈvɛstmənt/

Other forms: vestments

A vestment is a garment worn at special ceremonies by a clergy member. For example, a priest would wear a vestment in church, but out in the community, he would wear a shirt and pants.

You know that a vest is a piece of clothing — a sleeveless shirt or sweater. Vest can also be a verb that describes putting on clothing, typically garments related to a religious ceremony. Both vest and vestment come from the Latin word vestimentum, meaning "clothing, clothes." Vestments include ankle-length robes called cassocks and strips of fabric that go around the neck, which are called stoles.

Definitions of vestment

1. noun

   gown (especially ceremonial garments) worn by the clergy
   types:

   alb

   a white linen liturgical vestment with sleeves; worn by priests

   cassock

   a black garment reaching down to the ankles; worn by priests or choristers

   chasuble

   a long sleeveless vestment worn by a priest when celebrating Mass

   humeral veil, veil

   a vestment worn by a priest at High Mass in the Roman Catholic Church; a silk shawl

   pallium

   (Roman Catholic Church) vestment consisting of a band encircling the shoulders with two lappets hanging in front and back

   pontifical

   the vestments and other insignia of a pontiff (especially a bishop)

   surplice

   a loose-fitting white ecclesiastical vestment with wide sleeves

   soutane

   a long cassock with buttons down the front; worn by Roman Catholic priests

   type of:

   gown, robe

   outerwear consisting of a long flowing garment used for official or ceremonial occasions