What does scapulary mean?
A scapulary is a long, sleeveless garment associated with Christian monastic life. It is worn over the shoulders and typically falls to the feet, with a front and back panel and, traditionally, a hood or cowl. Monks and members of religious orders might wear it in a plain color such as brown, black, or white. The term is also used for devotional versions of the garment worn by laypeople. It should be distinguished from the shorter scapular, which covers the shoulders and upper body and is traditionally made from the same material as the habit. In its strict historical and religious sense, the scapulary is associated particularly with Roman Catholic and Anglican traditions, although similar garments occur in other Christian orders.
nounA long, sleeveless monastic garment worn over the shoulders and extending to the feet, traditionally made with a hood or cowl and a front and back panel. It is associated especially with Roman Catholic religious orders.
- A long, sleeveless religious garment worn over the shoulders and extending to the feet, traditionally with a hood or cowl and a front and back panel.
"The monk's brown scapulary fell nearly to the floor as he walked through the cloister."
"She saw him approaching the abbey in a simple black scapulary."
"The museum displayed a medieval monk's woollen scapulary beside a manuscript describing the religious order."
The plural is scapularies.
"The collection included several medieval scapularies from different religious orders."
The name of this monastic garment comes from the Latin word for the shoulder blade, because it is draped from the shoulders.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scapulary come from?
The word comes through Medieval Latin from Latin scapularium, a diminutive of scapula, meaning “shoulder blade” or literally “small shoulder.” The garment was named for the way it hangs from the shoulders. The root is also reflected in English words such as scapula and scapular.
How scapulary is actually used
A relatively uncommon term, used chiefly in descriptions of Roman Catholic, Anglican, and other Christian monastic traditions. In some modern contexts, the word can also refer to a devotional garment worn by laypeople.
Easily confused with scapulary
A scapulary is a long garment reaching to the feet, whereas a scapular is a shorter shoulder garment traditionally made from the same fabric as a religious habit.