a facerdotal 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-wise: 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 crottes thereon.

Groom of the STOLE, the eldest gentleman of his Majesty's bedchamber, 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.