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Amphibalum

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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Amphian (Aphian, or Appianus), St.

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Amphibalus

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(outer coat, from ἀμφιβάλλω , to throw around), the outermost dress worn by the priest in the service of the altar; not used in the Church of England, but retained in the Roman and Greek churches. It resembled in form the poenula, which took the place of the Roman toga. The paenula formed a circle, with an aperture to admit the head, while it fell down so as to envelop the person of the wearer. The Romish Church has altered it by cutting it away laterally, so as to expose the arms, and leave only a straight piece before and behind. The Greek Church retains it in its primitive shape. (See VESTMENT).