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cassock

American  
[kas-uhk] / ˈkæs ək /

noun

  1. a long, close-fitting garment worn by members of the clergy or others participating in church services.

  2. a lightweight, double-breasted ecclesiastical coat or jacket, worn under the Geneva gown.

  3. a member of the clergy.


cassock British  
/ ˈkæsək /

noun

  1. Christianity an ankle-length garment, usually black, worn by priests and choristers

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of cassock

1540–50; < Middle French casaque, perhaps < a Turkic word akin to the source of Cossack ( def. )

Explanation

A cassock is a long, single-colored robe that's usually black. It's worn by priests and other clergymen — so don't go looking to buy a cassock to complete your fall wardrobe. Many pieces of clothing have a certain association, like neckties with business or puffy hats with chefs. The cassock is an article of clothing associated with religion, since cassocks are robes worn by members of the clergy in the Christian tradition. Cassocks are usually black, brown, grey, or another plain color, and they go all the way down to the wearer’s ankles. A cassock is part of the priestly tradition for many Christian sects, just like a nun’s habit.

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Vocabulary lists containing cassock

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Hopkins Co. offers Episcopalians a "Once-a-Year Opportunity�only 159 Poplin Knockabout Cassocks Reduced to $12," and Cox Sons & Vining advertises a "Utility Anglican Cassock" for $22.50.

From Time Magazine Archive

He always entertained the kindliest feelings of a brother for his sincere friend, Doctor Cassock, who used to drop in with any new number of the Spectator, and enjoy it.

From Geoffery Gambado A Simple Remedy for Hypochondriacism and Melancholy Splenetic Humours by Bunbury, William Henry

The Cassock is a long coat, close-fitting, reaching to the feet, and buttoned down the front.

From The Worship of the Church and The Beauty of Holiness by Regester, J. A. (Jacob Asbury)

His Holiness, who was in the Middle, wore a white Cassock.

From The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de Pollnitz, Volume II Being the Observations He Made in His Late Travels From Prussia thro' Germany, Italy, France, Flanders, Holland, England, &C. in Letters to His Friend. Discovering Not Only the Present State of the Chief Cities and Towns; but the Characters of the Principal Persons at the Several Courts. by P?llnitz, Karl Ludwig von

Within my Closet does there hang a Cassock, Though base the weed is; twas a Shepherds, Which I presented in Lord Julio's Mask.

From Locrine/Mucedorus by Shakespeare (spurious and doubtful works)

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