scapular

¹ American  

[skap-yuh-ler] / ˈskæp yə lər /

adjective

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

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scapular ² American  

[skap-yuh-ler] / ˈskæp yə lər /

noun

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.

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scapular British  

/ ˈskæpjʊlə /

adjective

1. anatomy of or relating to the scapula

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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

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

The three she recommended were scapular rows and shoulder extensions with a band, as well as scapular retraction, a simple movement that strengthens the stabilizing muscles.

From New York Times • Dec. 29, 2022

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

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 11, 2022

The letters reveal that Cardinal Wojtyla gave Ms Tymienkiecka one of his most treasured possessions, an item known as a scapular - a small devotional necklace worn around the shoulders.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2016

I tore open my shirt and showed them the stringed scapular.

From "Bless Me, Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya