mozzetta

American  

[moh-zet-uh, mawt-tset-tah] / moʊˈzɛt ə, mɔtˈtsɛt tɑ /

Or mozetta

noun

Roman Catholic Church.

plural

mozzettas,

plural

mozzette

1. a short cape that covers the shoulders and can be buttoned over the breast, and to which a hood is attached, worn by the pope and by cardinals, bishops, abbots, and other dignitaries.

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mozzetta British  

/ məʊˈzɛtə, motˈtsetta /

noun

1. RC Church a short hooded cape worn by the pope, cardinals, etc

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Etymology

Origin of mozzetta

1765–75; < Italian, aphetic variant of almozzetta, equivalent to almozz(a) (compare Medieval Latin almutia amice ² ) + -etta -ette

Example Sentences

Wearing his red mozzetta and stole, Leo appeared deep in prayer during the ceremony, listening with eyes closed.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The cardinal - in red mozzetta and cassock - is shown blessing the body of the late Pope during the rite of the declaration of death.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2025

He refused to don the traditional red mozzetta, or half-cape, before stepping out in front of the masses.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2025

He laughed with the crew about the microphone in his vestments and I took a picture of a woman rolling a lint brush over his black mozzetta.

From New York Times • May 9, 2018

Lastly, from the cappa is probably derived the mozzetta, a short cape with a miniature hood, fastened down the front with buttons.

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