Gewänder

Gewänder is a German noun meaning garments or clothing. The plural Gewänder is commonly used to refer to outfits or ceremonial attire, and it appears in historical or literary contexts as well as in discussions of fashion. In ecclesiastical or liturgical language, Gewänder denotes the specific vestments worn during worship.

Etymology: Gewänder derives from the older German gewand, Gewand, related to English garment. The term has a somewhat antiquated or formal flavor in modern German, and Gewand is often used synonymously in literary or stylistic contexts.

General usage: Outside religious contexts, Gewänder typically appears in discussions of historical costume or in descriptions of ceremonial dress. It can refer broadly to outer garments, robes, or ensembles and often signals a historical tone.

In church contexts, Gewänder denotes liturgical vestments such as the Alb, Kasel, Stola, Dalmatik, and Orarium, worn by clergy and ministers during services. The design and symbolism of these garments vary by tradition and period, reflecting theological emphasis and ritual function. The term can also appear in hagiographical or doctrinal writing when describing clerical attire.