cassock

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English[edit]

Anglican priest in single-breasted cassock (1) with clerical collar

Etymology[edit]

From Middle French casaque (“cloak”).

Pronunciation[edit]

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈkasək/
  • Audio (Southern England)(file)
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈkæsək/
  • Rhymes: -æsək

Noun[edit]

cassock (plural cassocks)

  1. An item of clerical clothing: a long, sheath-like, close-fitting, ankle-length robe worn by clergy members of some Christian denominations. [from 17th c.]
    Synonym: soutane
    • 1918, W[illiam] B[abington] Maxwell, chapter X, in The Mirror and the Lamp, Indianapolis, Ind.: The Bobbs-Merrill Company, →OCLC:
      It was a joy to snatch some brief respite, and find himself in the rectory drawing–room. Listening here was as pleasant as talking; just to watch was pleasant. The young priests who lived here wore cassocks and birettas; their faces were fine and mild, yet really strong, like the rector's face; and in their intercourse with him and his wife they seemed to be brothers.
    • 1956, Delano Ames, chapter 13, in Crime out of Mind‎[1]:
      In one of the aisles there was an elaborately carved confessional box and I recognised the village priest in his heavy mountain boots and black cassock as he entered it and drew the dark velvet curtains behind him.
    • 2014, Alan Argent, Elsie Chamberlain: The Independent Life of a Woman Minister, Routledge, →ISBN, page 203:
      When leading worship, Elsie usually wore a long black cassock and preaching bands. This would, of course, save her from the worry of choosing a suitable costume.
  2. (obsolete) A military cloak or long coat worn by soldiers or horsemen in the 16th and 17th centuries. [16th–17th c.]
  3. (obsolete) A coarse, loose cloak or gown, worn by women, sailors, shepherds, countryfolk etc. [16th–17th c.]

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