Pal"li*um (?), n.; pl. L. Pallia(), E. Palliums (#). [L. See Pall the garment.]
1. Anc. Costume
A large, square, woolen cloak which enveloped the whole person, worn by the Greeks and by certain Romans. It is the Roman name of a Greek garment.
2. R.C.Ch.
A band of white wool, worn on the shoulders, with four purple crosses worked on it; a pall.
⇒ The wool is obtained from two lambs brought to the basilica of St. Agnes, Rome, and blessed. It is worn by the pope, and sent to patriarchs, primates, and archbishops, as a sign that they share in the plenitude of the episcopal office. Befoer it is sent, the pallium is laid on the tomb of St. Peter, where it remains all night.
3. Zool. (a)
The mantle of a bivalve. See Mantle.
(b)
The mantle of a bird.
© Webster 1913.