Blackfriar

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A friar belonging to the Dominican religious order, so called for the black cloak worn over the white habit
2. One of the mendicant monks of the Dominican order, identified by the black mantle they wear over their white robes
3. A member of the preaching order founded by Saint Dominic, who is distinguished by a dark outer cloak worn over white garments

Etymology: Dominicans were called Black Friars in England because of their dress. Their habit was white, but they wore a black cloak, or mantle, over it. That garment gave the order its common name, and "blackfriar" is simply the one-word spelling of "black friar," a member of the order wearing that black mantle over white woollen robes. The name is a plain descriptive coinage rather than a story about a person or an event. It describes what the friars looked like, not what they did, so there is no further history to tell beyond the clothing itself.

Synonyms: Dominican, friar