from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Stole \Stole\, n. [AS. stole, L. stola, Gr. ? a stole, garment,
equipment, fr. ? to set, place, equip, send, akin to E.
stall. See {Stall}.]
1. A long, loose garment reaching to the feet. --Spenser.
[1913 Webster]
But when mild morn, in saffron stole,
First issues from her eastern goal. --T. Warton.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Eccl.) A narrow band of silk or stuff, sometimes enriched
with embroidery and jewels, worn on the left shoulder of
deacons, and across both shoulders of bishops and priests,
pendent on each side nearly to the ground. At Mass, it is
worn crossed on the breast by priests. It is used in
various sacred functions.
[1913 Webster]
{Groom of the stole}, the first lord of the bedchamber in the
royal household. [Eng.] --Brande & C.
[1913 Webster]