Sur"plice (?), n. [F. surplis, OF. surpeiz, LL. superpellicium; super over + pellicium, pelliceum, a robe of fur, L. pellicius made of skins. See Pelisse.] Eccl.
A white garment worn over another dress by the clergy of the Roman Catholic, Episcopal, and certain other churches, in some of their ministrations.
Surplice fees Eccl., fees paid to the English clergy for occasional duties.
© Webster 1913.