What is "mantelletta"

Mantelletta \Man`tel*let"ta\, n. [It. mantelletta. See Mantelet.] (R. C. Ch.) A silk or woolen vestment without sleeves worn by cardinals, bishops, abbots, and the prelates of the Roman court. It has a low collar, is fastened in front, and reaches almost to the knees.

n. A sleeveless, knee-length vestment worn by Roman Catholic prelates.

A mantelletta, Italian diminutive of Latin mantellum 'mantle', is a sleeveless, knee-length, vest-like garment, open in front, with slits instead of sleeves on the sides, fastened at the neck, once even more common than the mozzetta.