ALMUZIA. — A form of hood joined to a short cape, whose rear part was longer than the front, which in the Middle Ages constituted the choir dress of certain canons. It began to be used around the year 1000, particularly in northern Europe, and was also worn by monks and nuns. It is still the choir and chapter-assembly insignia of the canons of certain cathedrals and collegiate churches; but its
form differs from the original and varies in different countries.
BIBL.: J. Braun, Liturgische Gesandung in Occident und Orient, Freiburg im Br. 1907, p. 335; id., I paramenti sacri. Laro uso, storia e simbolismo, Italian translation, Turin 1914, p. 161.