1. a loose white vestment worn over a cassock by clergy and choir members during religious services
Usage: ecclesiastical

Examples

• The priest put on his surplice before the Sunday service.
• The choir members wore matching surplices during the Christmas concert.
• She carefully ironed the white surplice for the wedding ceremony.
• The altar boy’s surplice was too long and needed hemming.
• Traditional Anglican clergy wear a surplice over their black cassock.
• The cathedral’s surplices were made of fine white linen.