Bible Dictionaries

1910 New Catholic Dictionary

Cincture

A priestly vestment generally made of white linen, but sometimes of silk, wool, or cotton and of the color of the day, tied around the waist to confine the alb, worn at Mass. It symbolizes chastity. Wrapping it about the alb the priest prays: "Bind me, O Lord, with the cincture of purity and chastity." As a cord, or often as a broad sash, it is included in almost every form of religious or ecclesiastical costume.

In art the girdle is a symbol of Saint Monica and sometimes Saint Margaret.