Surplice

Surplice (super-pellicium), a loose vestment of white linen with full open sleeves, fastened in front at the throat, and falling down all round the figure. It is worn during Divine service by deacons and priests and choristers and acolytes in the Latin and Anglican Churches and by members of the colleges of some English universities. The Latin surplice is shorter than the ordinary Anglican surplice, is often ornamented with lace or made of lace, and is worn over a cassock. The short Italian surplice as worn by acolytes and choristers is called a cotta.