Palliums

1 definition 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.
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     2. (R. C. Ch.) A band of white wool, worn on the shoulders,
        with four purple crosses worked on it; a pall.
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     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.
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     3. (Zool.)
        (a) The mantle of a bivalve. See {Mantle}.
        (b) The mantle of a bird.
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