from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Surcoat \Sur"coat`\, n. [OE. surcote, OF. surcote. See {Sur-},
and {Coat}, and cf. {Overcoat}.]
1. A coat worn over the other garments; especially, the long
and flowing garment of knights, worn over the armor, and
frequently emblazoned with the arms of the wearer.
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A long surcoat of pers upon he had.. --Chaucer.
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At night, or in the rain,
He dons a surcoat which he doffs at morn. --Emerson.
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2. A name given to the outer garment of either sex at
different epochs of the Middle Ages.
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