traditional cappa
- noun
- The cardinal attended the event wearing a traditional cappa that dated back several centuries.
Examples
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During the procession, each participant donned a traditional cappa as a sign of respect.
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The priest wore a traditional cappa during the ceremony.
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Historians studied the fabrics and embroidery on the traditional cappa displayed in the museum.
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Many Italians still cherish their traditional cappas.
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During the religious ceremony, the bishop wore a traditional cappa that symbolized his authority.
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In Italy, it is customary for the choir to wear a traditional cappa while performing at weddings.
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The festival featured a parade where participants proudly displayed their traditional cappas.
Synonyms
A long coat with a hood worn over clothes
A woman's cloak with a hood worn in the 18th century
Clothes that people in a culture wear for ceremonies or festivals
How Ceremonial
Surface Forms
Morphology
traditional + cappa
The meaning is fully compositional: 'traditional' (relating to customs) simply modifies 'cappa' (a cloak), so the phrase denotes a customary or ceremonial cloak. Although 'cappa' is rare in English, the adjective+noun structure is transparent and a B1 learner who knows both words would readily infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Traditional cappa comes from Italy, where a cappa was a long cloak worn by priests and important people. Because the cappa covered the shoulders and looked formal, it was used in special ceremonies, so today Traditional cappa means 'a ceremonial cloak' worn to show respect.