lawn sleeves

American  

noun

1. (used with a plural verb) the sleeves of lawn forming part of the dress of an Anglican bishop.

2. (used with a singular verb) the office of an Anglican bishop.

3. (used with a singular or plural verb) an Anglican bishop or bishops.

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Etymology

Origin of lawn sleeves

First recorded in 1630–40

Example Sentences

Rev. John Primatt Maud, solemn in billowing lawn sleeves, and pectoral cross.

From Time Magazine Archive

But with the Archbishop's first sentence came a fluttering of crimson surplices and white lawn sleeves.

From Time Magazine Archive

She held up her hands, strong, shapely hands, and surveyed them critically, drawing up her lawn sleeves above the wrists.

From "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin

Sabre had a vision of dense crowds of bishops in lawn sleeves, duchesses in Gainsborough hats, and herds of intensely fashionable rank and file applauding vigorously.

From If Winter Comes by Hutchinson, A. S. M. (Arthur Stuart-Menteth)

The upper robe worn by a Bishop, to which the lawn sleeves are generally attached.

From The Church Handy Dictionary by Anonymous