Kittels

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Plural form of a specific type of garment typically worn for religious or ceremonial purposes; multiple containers used for boiling or heating liquids; various denominations of a robe-like apparel commonly utilized in liturgical contexts
2. Refers to several white, robe-like clothing items associated with sacred rites; denotes numerous vessels designed for heating water or other fluids; identifies a collection of sacramental dresses used in formal religious observances
3. Represents a group of lightweight, usually white garments worn during religious ceremonies; indicates more than one pot-like utensil for preparing hot beverages or substances; signifies multiple ecclesiastical vestments employed in ritual services

Etymology: "Kittels" is the plural of "kittel", a noun borrowed from Yiddish "kitl", a long white robe. The garment is worn by Jewish men during High Holy Day services and at Passover seders, and it is also worn as a burial shroud, so the same white cloth marks both the most solemn festival and the final journey. The Yiddish word itself is a loanword that English took directly from Yiddish, so its meaning stayed close to the robe rather than shifting toward the other senses listed for the plural. The meanings for heating vessels and sacramental dresses in general belong to separate uses and are not covered by this loan's history.

Synonyms: smocks, tunics