"loose white robe," c.1200, from Old French surpeliz (12c.), from Medieval Latin superpellicium (vestmentum) "a surplice," literally "an over fur (garment)," from Latin super "over" (see super-) + Medieval Latin pellicium "fur garment, tunic of skins," from Latin pellis "skin" (see film, n.). So called because it was donned over fur garments worn by clergymen for warmth in unheated medieval churches.