DictionarycopeCeremonial cloak
noun

cope

A long ceremonial cloak worn by clergy.

The priest wears a richly embroidered cope during the ceremony.

Etymology

Latin cappa named a cloak. Cope preserves that covering garment in a ceremonial setting, identifying the long mantle worn by clergy for particular services.

More examples

  • A clasp fastened the cope at the chest.
  • The museum displayed several ceremonial copes.
  • He removed the cope after the procession.

Forms

cope · copes

Similar words

cloak
The general garment rather than the liturgical version.
vestment
Vestment is the broader category of ceremonial religious garments.