Surplice

African priest in Surplice and Tippet

A surplice (/ˈsɜːrplɪs/) is a liturgical vestment used in Western churches. It is a white linen or cotton fabric worn over the torso, with wide sleeves, that drapes down to the knees.

The etymology of surplice comes from Late Latin superpelliceum, from super, "over" and pellicia, "fur garment". The origin of the vestment comes from a “cut-off” alb. The white of the surplice represents the clothing of Christ’s righteousness and is derived from the Book of Revelation where those worshipping God in heaven are clothed in white.

Traditionally, the surplice was worn over a black cassock.

Use in Anglicanism

The surplice is the traditional Anglican vestment, worn for choir dress by clergy and laity alike. Clergy will traditionally wear a tippet over top of their surplice to distinguish them as licensed preachers.