The old Latin term for a gown. Early illuminations show two types: the cappa clausa, with a single opening in front, worn by masters and by doctors of divinity and of canon law, and the sleeved gown, or cappa manicata, worn by doctors of civil law. According to Rashdall (ii. 643) the cope worn by the Vice-Chancellor and by those presenting for higher doctorates precisely resembles the medieval cappa. See also pallium.
