CÀMICE. - A white linen garment (called in liturgical language an *alba*), reaching to the feet, worn by ecclesiastics in liturgical functions. It derives from the tunic which the Greeks and Romans wore alone or under other garments. The men's tunic was without sleeves and reached to the knees; the women's descended to the feet, whence its name *talare*. In the 3rd century, under the influence of Oriental customs, sleeves were added. Originally simple and unadorned, it later featured long purple or other colored stripes running from the shoulders to the feet, both front and back. Precisely this white, unadorned, long-sleeved tunic, tight at the wrists, was used by clerics for sacred ministries. The Council of Carthage in 398 decreed that deacons should wear the tunic only during the time of the oblation or readings. By the 6th century, subdeacons also began to wear II. In 830, Leo IV prescribed a different *c.* for sacred functions; thus, when civilians ceased to wear the tunic, it was preserved in the liturgy and became a sacred garment. In the *Ordo Romanus I*, the linen tunic is already certainly a liturgical vestment.
The ancient tunic was quite ample, and silk or gold ornaments were applied not only to the edges and sleeves but also to the chest, shoulders, and hem. Over time, these ornaments disappeared, giving way, especially from the 16th century onward, to various kinds of lace and embroidery. Today, according to canonical prescriptions, the *c.* must be made of white linen, cut quite full, and reach to the heels, girded with a cincture around the waist. No adornment is prescribed; hence the common practice of applying lace around the neck, the ends of the sleeves, and the lower hem is permitted. *C.* made entirely of lace are not allowed; however, colored linings beneath the lace of the sleeves and fringe are tolerated, as they represent the color of the celebrant's cassock. The use of the *c.* has been reserved since the 12th-13th centuries to those in sacred orders for Holy Mass and whenever the dalmatic or tunicle is worn. The priest does not use it at Vespers, Matins, Lauds, or funerals. The *c.* must be blessed by the bishop or one having the faculty to do so. - See Pl. XXX.