stole

Stole is a word with several related but distinct senses in English. It can refer to a garment, either a fashion accessory or a religious vestment, or it can be the past tense of the verb steal.

As a fashion garment, a stole is a long, narrow wrap worn over the shoulders, often draped around the neck with the ends hanging down the front. Stoles may be made of fur, faux fur, wool, satin, or other fabrics and are used to add warmth or style in formal or ceremonial outfits. They have appeared in various styles throughout modern fashion and remain a visible accessory in some ensembles.

In Christian liturgy, a stole is a narrow band of fabric worn by clergy around the neck, with the ends hanging down in front. The color and embellishments of the stole can signify the liturgical season or the specific rite being observed. It is a symbol of ordained ministry and is worn by many denominations’ clergy as part of their vestments.

As a verb, stole is the past tense of steal: “He stole the wallet.” The word is irregular; the past participle is stolen.

Etymology: The garment sense derives from the Latin stola, via Old French and Middle English, and the liturgical stole shares this origin. The verb stole comes from the Old English stelian (to steal).