PECTORAL, a sacerdotal habit or vestment, which was worn by the Jewish high priest. The Jews call it Hosechen, the Greeks γελιν, 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, arranged 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 the pectoral.