[ad. late L. superhumerāle (Vulgate), neut. sing. (sc. vestīmentum) of *superhumerālis: see SUPER 1 a and HUMERAL. Cf. OF. superhumeral, It. superumerale, etc.] An ecclesiastical vestment worn over the shoulders, as the Jewish ephod, or an amice or pallium; fig. a burden carried on the shoulders.
1606. Bp. Andrewes, Serm., ii. (1631), 13. He … Endured them; and endured, for them heavie things; a strange Superhumerall, the print whereof was to be seene on his shoulders.
[1688. R. Holme, Armoury, III. iv. 187/1. The Amictus, or Superhumerale, which like the Ephod of the Priests and Levites, or Vail covers the Head and shoulders of the Priest.]
1868. W. B. Marriott, Vestiar. Christ., xxix. 79. The Superhumeral or Ephod. This being so worn as to cover the shoulders, he [sc. Bede] regards [cap. iv.] it as typical of the labour of good works, of ‘the easy yoke, and light burden,’ spoken of by our Lord.
