Surplice

Surplice (Lat. super pellicium, 'above the robe of fur') worn by the monks from the 9th century, a white linen garment worn over the cassock by clerks of all degrees. Its most ordinary use is for the service of the choir, and it is also employed, along with the stole, by priests in the administration of the sacraments, and in preaching. The use of the surplice was strongly objected to by the Calvinistic and Zwinglian reformers on the Continent, and by the Puritans in England, who regarded this vestment as a relic of popery, and made it the subject of vehement denunciations. Ere ritualism became so common in England, no little stir used from time to time to be created by the use of the surplice, instead of the Gown (q.v.), in the pulpit, contrary to the more general practice in the Anglican Church. The length of the surplice varies, never in the Roman Church coming below the knees; the short Italian cotta, adorned with lace, dates from about the 17th century.—Surplice-fees are payments to the clergy by the laity when any sacred functions—baptisms, marriages, funerals—are performed for the latter's benefit.