DICT.TW Dictionary Taiwan
Pal·li·um n.; pl. L. Pallia E. Palliums
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.
Note: ☞ 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. Before 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.
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pallium
n 1: the layer of unmyelinated neurons (the gray matter) forming
the cortex of the cerebrum [syn: cerebral cortex, cerebral
mantle, cortex]
2: (zoology) a protective layer of epidermis in mollusks or
brachiopods that secretes a substance forming the shell
[syn: mantle]
3: (Roman Catholic Church) vestment consisting of a band
encircling the shoulders with two lappets hanging in front
and back
4: cloak or mantle worn by men in ancient Rome
[also: pallia (pl)]