STOLE, a sacerdotal ornament wore by the Romish parish-priests over their surplice, as a mark of superiority in their respective churches; and by other priests, over the alb, at celebrating of mals, in which case it goes a-cross the stomach, and by deacons, over the left shoulder, scarf-wife; when the priest reads the gospel for any one, he lays the bottom of his stole on his head. The stole is a broad swath, or slip of stuff, hanging from the neck to the feet, with three crosses thereon.