PECTORAL, a sacerdotal habit or vestment, worn by the Jewish high-priest. The Jews called it Hoschen, the Greeks roym, the Latins rationale and pectorale, and in our version of the Bible it is called breastplate. It consisted of embroidered stuff, about a span square, and was worn upon the breast, set with twelve precious stones, ranged in four rows, and containing the names of the twelve tribes. It was fastened to the shoulder by two chains and hooks of gold. God himself prescribed the form of it. See BREASTPLATE.