Tonsure - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Tonsure is the practice of cutting or shaving part of the scalp, often as a religious symbol, particularly in Christian monastic traditions. It signifies devotion or humility.
Definition:
The act of shaving part of the head, especially as a religious rite.
Synonyms:
shaving, clipping, trimming
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Antonyms:
growth, hairiness
Common Collocations:
monastic tonsure, receive tonsure, ceremonial tonsure
Derivatives:
tonsured, tonsuring
Usage Tips:
Use "tonsure" to describe the shaved part of a monk's head or the act of shaving it ritually.
Common Phrases:
take the tonsure, receive the tonsure, ritual tonsure
Etymology:
From Latin "tonsura," meaning "a shearing," from "tondere," meaning "to shear."
Examples:
- 1. The monk's tonsure symbolized his devotion to God.
- 2. During the ceremony, the priest performed the tonsure on the novice.
- 3. His bald patch resembled a medieval tonsure.
- 4. The tradition of tonsure dates back centuries in many religions.