A vestment or liturgical garment; a variant spelling of 'amice,' a white linen cloth worn around the shoulders under other vestments by clergy.
From Old French and Medieval Latin 'amictus,' meaning 'dressed' or 'clothed.' The word comes from Latin 'amicire' (to wrap around). Medieval scribal variations created multiple spellings including 'almice.'
The amice is donned first when a priest dresses for mass, symbolizing the helmet of salvation—and priests are trained to put it on while reciting a prayer asking God to put into their mouths proper words, making the clothing itself part of the spiritual preparation.
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