pallium

/ˈpæliəm/

Other forms: pallia; palliums

In ancient times, philosophers and teachers commonly wore a pallium, or cloak, draped over their shoulders. Today, a pallium is mainly known as a religious vestment worn by the Pope.

In the Catholic church, a pallium is worn only by the Pope and a few archbishops. This long, narrow band is white, and it has to be knitted at least in part from lambswool from sheep raised by Trappist monks. This garment, which is adorned with six black crosses, has a lot of religious significance to devout Catholics. The word itself simply means "cloak" in Latin.

Definitions of pallium

1. noun

   cloak or mantle worn by men in ancient Rome
   type of:

   cloak

   a loose outer garment
2. noun

   (Roman Catholic Church) vestment consisting of a band encircling the shoulders with two lappets hanging in front and back
   type of:

   vestment

   gown (especially ceremonial garments) worn by the clergy
3. noun

   the layer of nerve tissue forming the outer layer of the cerebrum
   synonyms: cerebral cortex, cerebral mantle, cortex

   types:

   neocortex, neopallium

   the cortical part of the neencephalon

   archipallium, paleocortex

   the olfactory cortex of the cerebrum

   type of:

   neural structure

   a structure that is part of the nervous system
4. noun

   (zoology) a protective layer of epidermis in mollusks or brachiopods that secretes a substance forming the shell
   synonyms: mantle

   type of:

   cuticle, epidermis

   the outer layer of the skin covering the exterior body surface of vertebrates