Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Surplice \Sur"plice\, n. [F. surplis, OF. surpeiz, LL.
   superpellicium; super over + pellicium, pelliceum, a robe of
   fur, L. pellicius made of skins. See {Pelisse}.] (Eccl.)
   A white garment worn over another dress by the clergy of the
   Roman Catholic, Episcopal, and certain other churches, in
   some of their ministrations.

   {Surplice fees} (Eccl.), fees paid to the English clergy for
      occasional duties.