cotta
UK[ˈkɒtə]US[ˈkɑːtə]
n
A short surplice, typically of coarse material, worn by some Christian clergy and members of religious orders.
Etymology
The term 'cotta' entered English in the 19th century from Italian, where it denotes a tunic. Its lineage traces back to Latin 'cotta', a medieval term for a tunic or coat, which is a variant of 'cocta'. This Latin root 'cocta' literally means "cooked" and is linked to the verb 'coquere'. The semantic connection is thought to be through the idea of a "cooked" or hardened leather garment, or perhaps via a generalized sense of something fashioned or processed. Over time, the meaning specialized within an ecclesiastical context to refer specifically to the short, sleeveless surplice worn by clergy and altar servers, shedding its earlier martial or general clothing associations.
Analysis
The word 'cotta' is a simplex loanword from Italian. It is derived from the Latin 'cotta', a variant of 'cocta', meaning "cooked" or "baked", which itself is the feminine past participle of 'coquere' (to cook). In this context, its functional role is as a complete lexical unit borrowed into English.
Examples
The altar server straightened his white cotta before the procession.
The medieval painting depicted a monk wearing a simple brown cotta.
A lace-trimmed cotta is often worn over a cassock.