Almutium (or Amess)

Almutium (Or Amess)

is often confounded with, but is wholly distinct from, the amice (amictus). The amess was a hood of fur anciently worn while reciting the offices by canons, and afterwards by other distinguished ecclesiastics, as a defence against the cold. At times it fell loosely on the back and shoulders, and was drawn over the head when occasion required; the ends, becoming narrower and usually rounded, hung down in front like a stole, for which, by some modern writers, it has been mistaken. The amess has a certain similarity to some of the academical hoods now in use. There are very many specimens of this vestment represented on memorial brasses, one of the best of which — a figure of Sir John Stodeley — remains in the Church of St. Mary Magdalen, Upper Winchendon, Bucks. This garment is still used in the Latin Church, some of the bishops and abbots of which wear imesses of ermine lined with purple. In the Church of England its use appears to have been wholly discontinued.