The Collaborative International Dictionary
Surplice fees
Surplice \Sur"plice\, n. [F. surplis, OF. surpeiz, LL. superpellicium; super over + pellicium, pelliceum, a robe of fur, L. pellicius made of skins. See Pelisse.] (Eccl.) A white garment worn over another dress by the clergy of the Roman Catholic, Episcopal, and certain other churches, in some of their ministrations.
Surplice fees (Eccl.), fees paid to the English clergy for occasional duties.
Wikipedia
Surplice fees
Surplice fees were, in English ecclesiastical law, the fees paid to the incumbent of a parish for things such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals. They were paid to the incumbent, whoever performed the service.
Category:Canon law of the Anglican Communion Category:Church of England