Amice

A piece of fine linen in the form of an oblong square, suspended over the shoulders of the clergy. Pugin says it is “a white linen napkin or veil worn by all the clergy above the four minor orders.” Durand says it is a proper covering for the head, typical of the helmet of salvation alluded to by the apostle; or of the cloth with which the Jews covered the Saviour’s face, when they asked him to prophecy who struck him. Milton, in Paradise Regained, alludes to it,— “Morning fair Came forth with pilgrim steps, in amice grey.”