Caracalla was originally a garment peculiar to Gaul, and introduced into Roman use by M. Aurelius Antoninus. Ecclesiastical writers (Bede, Hist. Eccl. lib. i, c. 7) speak of it as worn by clerics, and as corresponding in shape to the Jewish ephod. So says St. Eucherius of Lyons, about the 5th century, referring evidently to the genuine Gallic caracalla, which was a kind of short tunic with sleeves, and furnished with a hood. The caracalla introduced into use by M. Aurelius was, however, lengthened so as to reach nearly to the feet. From the reference to this garment by St. Jerome (Epistle to Fitbiola), it is likely that, in common with other garments for outdoor use, it was furnished with a hood.
The Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature was edited by John McClintock and James Strong. It contains nearly 50,000 articles pertaining to Biblical and other religious literature, people, creeds, etc. It is a fantastic research tool for broad Christian study.
John McClintock was born October 27, 1814 in Philadelphia to Irish immigrants, John and Martha McClintock. He began as a clerk in his father's store, and then became a bookkeeper in the Methodist Book Concern in New York. Here he converted to Methodism and considered joining the ministry. McClintock entered the University of Pennsylvania in 1832 and graduated with high honors three years later. Subsequently, he was awarded a doctorate of divinity degree from the same institution in 1848.WikipediaRead More