scapular
1 Americanadjective
noun
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scapulars
plural
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Ecclesiastical. a loose, sleeveless monastic garment, hanging from the shoulders.
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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.
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Anatomy, Zoology. scapula.
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Ornithology. one of the scapular feathers.
adjective
noun
-
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
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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
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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
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Recently, someone I was interviewing noticed my scapular of the Santo Niño de Atocha with the word “Amor” on the other side.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 14, 2026
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
At first, she didn't wear anything distinctive, but now she dresses in a scapular - a long garment suspended from the shoulders, a bit like a severe pinafore.
From BBC ● Dec. 22, 2016
Two of these are found on the posterior scapula, above and below the scapular spine.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013
I had seen my sisters’ scapulars and knew that the bit of cloth at the end had a picture of the Virgin or St. Joseph on it, but this scapular held a small, flattened pouch.
From "Bless Me, Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya
She had only magnets and scapulars of Santo Niño in stock; her statues and prayer cards were sold out.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 28, 2020
Devotional scapulars are formed of two tiny bits of cloth, worn next to the skin over the chest and back, designed to echo the full-length, apron-like garments which monks wear over their habits.
From BBC ● Feb. 15, 2016
Scattered in the scuffle were Holy Year medals, rosaries, scapulars and prayer leaflets.
From Time Magazine Archive
She bought rosaries and scapulars and little vials of holy water from the vendors as we walked to the car.
From "Purple Hibiscus" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Mary Rommely had taken the scapulars to be blessed by the priest before she brought them over.
From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith
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