soutane: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Ecclesiastical
Quick answer
What does “soutane” mean?
A long, close-fitting black garment worn by Roman Catholic priests and some other clergy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A long, close-fitting black garment worn by Roman Catholic priests and some other clergy.
A symbol of clerical office and religious tradition; sometimes used metonymically to refer to the priesthood or clerical life.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties, as the term is specific to a Catholic ecclesiastical context. No regional variation in meaning.
Connotations
Conveys a sense of traditionalism and formal clerical identity. May have slightly antiquated or specialised overtones in secular contexts.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both BrE and AmE, limited to discussions of Catholic clergy, vestments, or historical/formal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “soutane” in a Sentence
He wore a [soutane].The [soutane] was fastened with buttons.They discussed the symbolism of the [soutane].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in theological studies, history of religion, and cultural anthropology papers discussing clerical dress.
Everyday
Rare in everyday conversation except among Catholic communities or when describing a priest's appearance.
Technical
Used in ecclesiastical tailoring, liturgy, and canon law discussions regarding clerical dress codes.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “soutane”
- Confusing 'soutane' with 'cassock' (a soutane is a type of cassock).
- Misspelling as 'soutaine' or 'sutane'.
- Using it to refer to any long robe, rather than specifically a clerical one.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A soutane is a specific type of cassock, typically the double-breasted, close-fitting, black garment worn by Catholic clergy. 'Cassock' is a more general term for an ankle-length clerical robe used in various Christian denominations.
No, it is not mandatory for everyday wear. The soutane is traditional formal attire. Many priests now wear a clerical shirt and collar for daily activities, reserving the soutane for liturgical or formal occasions.
No, it is a low-frequency word. It is primarily used in specific religious, historical, or tailoring contexts. The more general term 'cassock' is more likely to be encountered.
Typically black for priests. Higher clergy like bishops, cardinals, and the Pope may wear soutanes in other colours (e.g., purple, scarlet, white) according to rank and tradition.
A long, close-fitting black garment worn by Roman Catholic priests and some other clergy.
Soutane is usually formal, ecclesiastical in register.
Soutane: in British English it is pronounced /suːˈtɑːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /suˈtɑn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a priest in a LONG, BLACK gown SEWN (sounds like 'sou') TIGHTLY (tane) around him – a SOU-TANE.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE GARMENT IS A BADGE OF OFFICE; CLOTHING IS IDENTITY.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'soutane' most appropriately used?