scapular

¹ American  

[skap-yuh-ler] / ˈskæp jə lər /

adjective

1. of or relating to the shoulders or the scapula or scapulae.

---

scapular ² American  

[skap-yuh-ler] / ˈskæp jə lər /

noun

scapulars plural

1. Ecclesiastical. a loose, sleeveless monastic garment, hanging from the shoulders.

2. two small pieces of woolen cloth, joined by strings passing over the shoulders, worn under the ordinary clothing as a badge of affiliation with a religious order, a token of devotion, etc.

3. Anatomy, Zoology. scapula.

4. Ornithology. one of the scapular feathers.

---

scapular British  

/ ˈskæpjʊlə /

adjective

1. anatomy of or relating to the scapula

---

noun

1. part of the monastic habit worn by members of many Christian, esp Roman Catholic, religious orders, consisting of a piece of woollen cloth worn over the shoulders, and hanging down in front and behind to the ankles

2. two small rectangular pieces of woollen cloth joined by tapes passing over the shoulders and worn under secular clothes in token of affiliation to a religious order

3. any of the small feathers that are attached to the humerus of a bird and lie along the shoulder

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• scapulars
  plural

Etymology

Origin of scapular¹

From the New Latin word scapulāris, dating back to 1680–90. See scapula, -ar ¹

Origin of scapular²

1475–85; < Medieval Latin scapulāre, noun use of neuter of scapulāris (adj.). See scapular ¹

Example Sentences

Tigers: LHP Eduardo Rodriguez is feeling slightly better after leaving Monday’s game in the fourth inning due to a left scapular spasm.

From Washington Times • Sep. 20, 2023

A worn scapular illustrating the Immaculate Heart of Mary hung from her neck.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 11, 2022

In subsequent letters, he referred repeatedly to the scapular, which he gave her: a devotional garment, comprising two pieces of cloth, that is typically carried as a reminder of piety.

From New York Times • Feb. 15, 2016

Far from ending the relationship, as a more prudent prelate might have done, he gave her one of his most treasured possessions - an item of devotional clothing known as a scapular.

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2016

Maybe nail clippers, a rosary, or a scapular with a tiny drawing of San Cristobal, the patron saint of travelers, or of San Judas Tadeo, the patron saint of desperate situations.

From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario