soutane

cassock (priest's robe)

noun soo-TAHN Rare

Origin: Italian sottana (undergarment), from sotto (under)

Usage Note

Soutane is the long black (or white, in tropical regions) robe worn by Catholic priests. Wearing or removing la soutane is a metonym for entering or leaving the priesthood — quitter la soutane means to leave the clergy. The garment reaches to the feet and is fastened with a row of buttons, distinguishing it from a simple robe.

Examples

"Le prêtre portait sa soutane noire pendant la messe."

Natural Translation

The priest was wearing his black cassock during mass.

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