cappa magna

American  

[kah-puh mah-nyuh, kap-uh mag-nuh] / ˈkɑ pə ˈmɑ nyə, ˈkæp ə ˈmæg nə /

noun

Ecclesiastical.

1. a ceremonial cloak having a long train and a silk or fur-lined hood, worn by cardinals, bishops, and certain other dignitaries.

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Etymology

Origin of cappa magna

< Medieval Latin: great cope

Example Sentences

After the cappa magna, a 30-foot train of silk that was carried behind the cardinal, was abolished in 1952, a group of Roman cardinals petitioned for its return.

From Slate • Mar. 12, 2013

Early next day, having vested in his scarlet cappa magna, Cardinal Sarto went to his mother's room and, standing beside her bed, showed himself in all the glory of the "sacred purple."

From Pope Pius the Tenth by Forbes, F. A. (Frances Alice)

It is worn over the rochet by the pope, cardinals, bishops and prelates, the colours varying as in the case of the cappa magna.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 3 "Convention" to "Copyright" by Various

The cappa magna has a hood pointed behind and forming a sort of shoulder cape in front, which in the winter months is covered with white ermine.

From Rome by Malleson, Hope

The modern town, close to the ancient, is unimportant, though the canons of the cathedral have the privilege of wearing the mitre and cappa magna at great festivals.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 3 "Apollodorus" to "Aral" by Various