amice: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal/Technical/Ecclesiastical
Quick answer
What does “amice” mean?
A liturgical vestment, specifically a rectangular piece of white linen worn over the shoulders of clergy beneath other vestments, such as an alb or chasuble.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A liturgical vestment, specifically a rectangular piece of white linen worn over the shoulders of clergy beneath other vestments, such as an alb or chasuble.
The term can also refer historically to a fur-lined hood or cape worn by certain religious orders or in medieval times, though this usage is archaic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage exist between British and American English, as the term belongs to a shared, international liturgical vocabulary.
Connotations
The word carries connotations of tradition, ritual, and Christian (particularly Catholic or Anglican/Episcopalian) religious practice.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, heard only in highly specific religious contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “amice” in a Sentence
The priest donned his {amice}.The {amice} is worn beneath the alb.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “amice” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The deacon will amice himself before the service. (rare/archaic usage)
American English
- He amiced for the procession. (rare/archaic usage)
adjective
British English
- The amice vestment was freshly laundered. (attributive noun use)
American English
- They discussed amice symbolism. (attributive noun use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in historical, theological, or liturgical studies.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
The primary domain of use; specific to liturgical manuals and descriptions of clerical vestments.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “amice”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “amice”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “amice”
- Mispronouncing it as /əˈmaɪs/ (like 'advice').
- Confusing it with 'amiss'.
- Assuming it is a common word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, technical term specific to Christian liturgy.
Historically, it could refer to a hood or cape, but in modern English, it is exclusively a liturgical term.
In British English: /ˈamɪs/. In American English: /ˈæmɪs/. It rhymes with 'practice'.
No, its use is primarily in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and some other liturgical traditions.
A liturgical vestment, specifically a rectangular piece of white linen worn over the shoulders of clergy beneath other vestments, such as an alb or chasuble.
Amice is usually formal/technical/ecclesiastical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The term is too technical for idiomatic usage.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"A MICE might nibble on the linen of a priest's amice." (Linking the sound of the word to a memorable, if unlikely, image.)
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS A SYMBOL OF SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY. The amice, as the foundational layer, can metaphorically represent preparation or grounding in faith before undertaking sacred duties.
Practice
Quiz
In what context would you most likely encounter the word 'amice'?