Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
EPH'OD, one of the articles of the priest's official dress. Ex 28:6. It was made of plain linen, 1 Sam 2:18; 2 Sam 6:14, except the ephod of the high priest, which was embroidered with various colors. It consisted of two parts, one covering the back and the other the breast, clasped together upon each shoulder with a large onyx stone, upon which were engraved the names of the twelve tribes, six on each stone; and upon the place where it crossed the breast was the breastplate. See Breastplate.
" The ephod, or something resembling it and called by the same name, was worn by others besides the priests. 1 Chr 15:27 and passages before cited. See High Priest.