surplice

This term refers to a specific liturgical garment used primarily in Anglican, Catholic, and Lutheran traditions. It is characterized by its white color and wide sleeves, serving as a symbolic layer of purity worn over the darker cassock. Because it is a specialized piece of ecclesiastical clothing, the word is rarely encountered outside of religious or historical contexts.

In a practical sense, the surplice is distinct from the alb, which is a longer garment reaching the ankles. The surplice is typically shorter and more voluminous, designed specifically to be worn over other vestments rather than as a primary base layer.