Bible Dictionaries
Surplice

The American Church Dictionary and Cyclopedia

The outer garment, made of linen, worn over the cassock by the officiating minister during the Church service. It is a loose flowing vestment, generally reaching to the knees, having broad, full, open sleeves. It is not specially a Priestly garment, as it is worn by Deacons and also by Lay-Readers, and in a modified form by choristers. The word is derived from the Latin, superpelliceum, meaning an over-garment. (See VESTMENTS.)

Bibliography Information
Miller, William James. Entry for 'Surplice'. The American Church Dictionary and Cyclopedia. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​acd/​s/surplice.html. 1901.