Plural of cotta, a short sleeveless vestment worn by clergy and choir members in religious services.
From Medieval Latin cotta, possibly derived from Old Norse kottr meaning a short garment. The word entered English ecclesiastical terminology in the Middle Ages and refers to the practical vestments worn over longer robes.
The cotta is essentially medieval practical fashion—choir singers wore these short tunics because moving around in long robes while singing got uncomfortable, and the design became so standard it's still worn in churches 900 years later!
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