Cincture

An article of liturgical attire and one of the six Eucharistic vestments. It is a thick cord with knotted ends that comes in varying lengths and is worn as a belt over a cassock or alb, often tied with a simple slip knot. It can be worn by lay ministers or clergy. When worn by clergy, a stole is often slipped under it or put through a loop in the cincture to hold the stole in place during worship. It is believed to typify chastity and in reference to Luke 12:35-38, to represent spiritual watchfulness. It is also referred to as a girdle.