Pallium

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Pallium \Pal"li*um\, n.; pl. L. {Pallia}, E. {Palliums}. [L. See
     {Pall} the garment.]
     1. (Anc. Costume) A large, square, woolen cloak which
        enveloped the whole person, worn by the Greeks and by
        certain Romans. It is the Roman name of a Greek garment.
        [1913 Webster]


  
     2. (R. C. Ch.) A band of white wool, worn on the shoulders,
        with four purple crosses worked on it; a pall.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: The wool is obtained from two lambs brought to the
           basilica of St. Agnes, Rome, and blessed. It is worn by
           the pope, and sent to patriarchs, primates, and
           archbishops, as a sign that they share in the plenitude
           of the episcopal office. Before it is sent, the pallium
           is laid on the tomb of St. Peter, where it remains all
           night.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     3. (Zool.)
        (a) The mantle of a bivalve. See {Mantle}.
        (b) The mantle of a bird.
            [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  pallium
       n 1: the layer of unmyelinated neurons (the gray matter) forming
            the cortex of the cerebrum [syn: {cerebral cortex}, {cerebral
            mantle}, {cortex}]
       2: (zoology) a protective layer of epidermis in mollusks or
          brachiopods that secretes a substance forming the shell
          [syn: {mantle}]
       3: (Roman Catholic Church) vestment consisting of a band
          encircling the shoulders with two lappets hanging in front
          and back
       4: cloak or mantle worn by men in ancient Rome
       [also: {pallia} (pl)]