The numbers refer to the pages where the words are mentioned.

Alb

(4, 6,9,10, 13,15, 21, 24, 25, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 40, 43, 44, 46.) An ample linen tunic, and so called from the Latin word alba (white). The lower part of the alb was anciently ornamented with one or several stripes of scarlet attached to it. The number of these stripes affixed peculiar appellations to the tunic. If it had but one, it was denominated 'Alba Monolores,' or an alb bordered with one stripe; if it had two, 'Dilores;' if three, 'Trilores,' etc. From the authority of Anastasius the librarian, in his life of Benedict III., it would appear that formerly the alb was sometimes fringed with gold, ana made of silk; as he informs us that the King of the Saxons presented to the church of St. Peter at Rome, amongst other magnificent donations, certain albs of this description. A remnant of the scarlet border is still preserved by some of the religious orders, who trim the bottom and the sleeve cuffs of the alb with lace, under which they attach scarlet silk. In the Middle Ages, the custom of contracting the alb by plaiting it in long folds was introduced, and is still observed. This long linen garment, which is called alb in the Latin or Western Church, is also used amongst the Oriental Christians by priests, deacons, and sub-deacons in the celebration of Mass. By the Greeks it is denominated xltwvlov; by the Syrians 'Kontivo,' and by the Arabs 'Timia,' and is always white. Amongst the seven sacerdotal vestments used in the Coptic liturgy of St. Basil, it is particularly enumerated by Abusebah, who observes that the alb appropriated to the use of the Bishop should be edged with a rich border.

The alb is beautifully emblematic of that stainless candour and purity of soul which should shine in a conspicuous manner in all those who officiate around the altar, where the Lamb without spot is immolated. The Priest, therefore, very appropriately says the following prayer in putting on the alb: -"Change me, O Lord, and purify my soul, that, sprinkled with the Blood of the Lamb, it may be fitted for eternal felicity, where the blessed are for ever clothed in robes of white, standing before the throne of God, and serving Him day and night in His temple".

The Priest now confines the alb with the girdle. (Bock, Hierurgia, vol ii. pp. 613 - 16).

Altar Front, Atelier Cloth, Front Clothe, Frontlett, Etc

(2, 4, 6, 6, 7,10,11, 12,13,14,15,16,17,19, 20, 21,22, 23, 24, 25,26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42,43, 44, 45,46,47.) The altar frontal was a moveable front of metal, wood, silk, or other material, put close to the fore-part of the altar, reaching from the slab to the top of the ground. The frontals were usually of the same colours as the vestments, and were changed at the same times, according to the festivals. Sometimes the silken frontals veiled the two sides as well as the front of the altar. The modern custom of ornamenting the front of the altar with sculpture or painting, was almost, if not quite, unknown in this country before the Reformation. Antependium is the terra now used here for designating the frontal. The Roman Missal calls it pallium; in Italy it is known as the paliotto. (Peacock, p. 56, and authority there quoted).

Amice

(9,10,15, 21, 24, 29, 32, 40, 44.) The amice here spoken of is the linen vestment worn on the shoulders by a priest in the holy sacrifice, not the furred amice with which it is sometimes confounded. The linen amice was introduced into England from Italy at a later date than the other sacrificial vestments : its original form was probably that of a hood. Much is to be found in ritualistic writers as to its mystical signification. The popular opinion was, that it represented the veil with which the Lord's face was covered when the soldiers, mocking, said, "Prophetiza, quis est qui te percussit." The furred amice was a hood or tippet of fur, worn by certain of the monastic clergy and others. (Peacock's Eng. Ch, Furn., p. 33, and authorities there quoted).

Formerly the amice was worn upon the head in the manner of a hood, while vesting, and until the Priest arrived before the altar, when it was lowered, and thrown back upon the shoulders, - a custom which is still retained by the Capuchin and Dominican friars, as well as in some particular churches on the Continent. The term amice is derived from the Latin verb, amicire, 'to cover;' being introduced in the eighth century to cover the neck, which, until that period, was usually bare. (Rock, Hierurgia, vol. ii. pp. 611 - 13).

Apparel

(23, 27.) An ornamental piece of embroidery with which the amice and alb are enriched. The apparels are placed on the wrists of the alb, as well as at the bottom of it, both before and behind. The amice round the neck is adorned with a similar corresponding ornament. In England, anciently, the amice and alb were worn without apparels on Good Friday, and sometimes also in services for the dead. (Lee's Glossary of Liturgical and Ecclesiastical Terms).