Cilice
/ˈsɪlɪs/noun
A rough garment or belt, traditionally made of hair or wire, worn as an instrument of religious penance.
Did you know?The word ultimately refers to Cilicia, a region of ancient southeastern Anatolia renowned for producing coarse cloth from goat hair; religious penitents later used similar material to induce discomfort.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
κιλίκιον (kilikion)
“A coarse cloth associated with Cilicia, especially goat-hair fabric”
Classical Latin
Latin
cilicium
“A rough cloth or haircloth from Cilicia”
Late Latin
Latin
cilicium
“Haircloth used for austerity or penitential practice”
12th–13th Century
Old French
cilice
“A haircloth garment or penitential covering”
Middle English
English
cilice
“A rough haircloth worn for religious penance”
Modern English
English
cilice
“A penitential garment or belt, sometimes made with rough material or wire”