I. ˈsər-pləs noun
Etymology: Middle English surplis, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin superpellicium, from super- + pellicium coat of skins, from Latin, neuter of pellicius made of skins, from pellis skin — more at fell
Date: 13th century
: a loose white outer ecclesiastical vestment usually of knee length with large open sleeves
II. adjective
Date: circa 1897
: having a diagonally overlapping neckline or closing
a surplice collar
surplice sweaters