rationale, principle (noun)

(law) an explanation of the fundamental reasons (especially an explanation of the working of some device in terms of laws of nature)

"the rationale for capital punishment"; "the principles of internal-combustion engines"

rationale (Noun)

an explanation of the basis or fundamental reasons for something

rationale (Noun)

a justification or rationalization for something

rationale (Noun)

a liturgical vestment worn by Christian bishops of various denominations

Rationale

A rationale, also called superhumerale, is a liturgical vestment worn by clergy, in particular by Bishops, in the Roman Catholic Church which uses full vestments. It is a humeral ornament, a supplement to the Pallium, and is worn over the chasuble. It is a large clasp, made of precious metal and ornamented with diamonds, whose edges are adorned with small bells. During the Middle Ages it was worn by several Bishops, primarily in the Holy Roman Empire, as far spread as Regensburg, Prague and Liège. Its use largely died out in the 13th century, although there is evidence that it was worn at Reims until the 16th century. Some rationales can be found preserved at Bamberg and Regensburg. The earliest pictures of rationales that exist are two pictures of Bishop Sigebert of Minden, a miniature and an ivory tablet, which were both incorporated in a Mass Ordo belonging to the Bishop. The only Bishops who wear rationales in the 21st century are: ⁕the Bishop of Eichstätt, Germany - Gregor Maria Franz Hanke, O.S.B., ⁕the Metropolitan Archbishop of Paderborn, Germany - Hans-Josef Becker,