from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Chasuble \Chas"u*ble\, n. [F. chasuble, LL. casubula, cassibula,
casula, a hooded garment, covering the person like a little
house; cf. It. casupola, casipola, cottage, dim of L. casa
cottage.] (Eccl.)
The outer vestment worn by the priest in saying Mass,
consisting, in the Roman Catholic Church, of a broad, flat,
back piece, and a narrower front piece, the two connected
over the shoulders only. The back has usually a large cross,
the front an upright bar or pillar, designed to be
emblematical of Christ's sufferings. In the Greek Church the
chasuble is a large round mantle. [Written also {chasible},
and {chesible}.]
[1913 Webster]