preaching bands

Noun

preaching band (plural preaching bands)

1. (in plural) Two bands (strips of linen) worn as formal neckwear by members of the Christian clergy.
   • When leading worship, Elsie usually wore a long black cassock and preaching bands. This would, of course, save her from the worry of choosing a suitable costume.2014, Alan Argent, Elsie Chamberlain: The Independent Life of a Woman Minister, Routledge, →ISBN, page 203

   Synonyms:

   preaching tabs, Geneva bands

2. (collective) A group of missionaries.
   • Perhaps we should form our own preaching band, to avoid compromise with the Christian ethic of brotherhood.2019, John Hersey, The Call: An American Missionary in China, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, →ISBN
3. (rare) A Christian band.
   • Musicians who identify as being part of a “Christian band,” also referred to as a “preaching band,” argue that “Christians in a band,” Christian musicians who do not call themselves a “Christian band,” are insincere because they keep quiet about their Christianity.[2020, Ibrahim Abraham, Christian Punk: Identity and Performance, Bloomsbury Publishing, →ISBN