STOLE, a sacerdotal ornament worn by the Romish parish-priests above their surplice, as a mark of superiority in their respective churches; and by other priests over the alb, at celebrating of mass, in which case it goes across 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.
Groom of the Stole, the eldest gentleman of his Majesty's bed-chamber, whose office it is to present and put on his majesty's first garment, or shirt, every morning, and to order the things in the chamber.