cassock

The story

1. Middle French · derived fromcasaque“cloak”
2. English todaycassock

From Middle French casaque (“cloak”).

First known use, by meaning

• from 17th c. An item of clerical clothing: a long, sheath-like, close-fitting, ankle-length robe worn by clergy members of some Christian denominations.
• 16th–17th c. A military cloak or long coat worn by soldiers or horsemen in the 16th and 17th centuries.
• 16th–17th c. A coarse, loose cloak or gown, worn by women, sailors, shepherds, countryfolk etc.