An almuce was a fur hood-like shoulder cape worn as a choir vestment in the Middle Ages, especially in England. Initially, it was worn by the general population. It found lasting use by certain Canons Regular, such as the white almutium worn on the arm by Premonstratensian canons. It also survives in the tippet and hood worn by some Anglican pries... Found on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almuce
(from the article `religious dress`) ...in the 12th century. Because the office (prescribed prayers) took up so much of a monk`s time, his choir robes were almost as important as his day ... Found on http://www.britannica.com/eb/a-z/a/51