Albe

ALB, ALBE, AWBE

A shirt or white linen garment, reaching to the heels and folded round the loins by a girdle. Formerly the common dress of the Roman Catholic Clergy, but now used only in sacred functions - The second vestment put on by the priest when preparing for the celebration of mass. Sometimes richly embroidered, and even jewelled round the bottom edge and the wrists, from the loth to the 16th century. The Albe used by Sir Thomas a Becket, when an exile from England, is still preserved, with his mitre and other portions of his episcopal robes in the Cathedral Church of Sens. It is ornamented with purple and gold apparels. ————————

ALBE (Albus, White)

A long, white linen gown reaching to the feet and secured by a girdle. The ends of the sleeves and hem of the garment were embroidered (see Alb)