Cappa Choralis

Cappa Choralis is a choral cope; i.e. a cope of rich material, such as velvet, silk, satin, or cloth-of gold, richly embroidered, and used ill the solemn services of the choir or sanctuary. The figure in the accompanying woodcut is from the brass of abbot Beauforest, circa A.D. 1508, at Dorchester Church, Oxford. He is represented vested in cassock, surplice, amess (al-mutium), the two furred ends of which hang down in front, and a choral cape. He also nears the pastoral staff (but with the crook turned outwards); and a label, with a. pious prayer inscribed on it, is placed over his head.