A long, loose black or colored robe worn by clergy (religious leaders) in Christian churches.
From Italian 'casacca' meaning 'a coat' or 'tunic,' possibly derived from Turkish 'kazak.' The word traveled through European languages as churches adopted this style of clothing around the 16th century.
Cassocks are specifically designed to have no buttons or zips—they slip on over the head completely, symbolizing the idea of spiritual uniformity and community among clergy members.
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