Mitred - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

ecclesiastical wear

Mitred refers to the wearing of a mitre, which is a ceremonial head-dress worn by bishops and some other clergy in the Christian tradition. The mitre is characterized by its pointed shape and is often ornately decorated. It signifies the authority of the bishop and symbolizes the Church's hierarchy.

Synonyms

clad in mitre, crowned, mitre-clad.

Examples of usage

The bishop walked down the aisle, mitred in gold and white.
During the ceremony, he wore a splendid mitred that dazzled the congregation.
She admired the mitred worn during the procession.
The tradition of wearing mitred dates back centuries in religious ceremonies.

Interesting Facts

Religious Significance

In the Christian tradition, the mitre symbolizes the responsibilities and authority of a bishop.
It is typically worn during significant church ceremonies, underscoring its ceremonial importance.
The two points of a mitre are often interpreted to represent the Old and New Testaments.

Cultural Impact

The mitre influenced fashion and design, inspiring various hat styles across different cultures.
You can spot mitres in art and literature, often used to denote authority or religious significance.
Certain modern interpretations of the mitre appear in theatrical costumes or festivals.

Architecture

The term 'mitre' also refers to a construction joint used to connect two pieces of material at an angle, showing the versatile use of the term.
In architecture, 'mitred' corners create visually appealing designs, reminiscent of the mitred hat's elegance.
Miter joints are widely used in woodworking, emphasizing precision and skill in craft.

Symbolism

Throughout history, the mitre has been seen as a symbol of divine favor in ecclesiastical settings.
The two points can represent dualities, such as heaven and earth or faith and reason.
In iconography, it sometimes is depicted with a subtler nod to power and spirituality.

Origin of 'mitred'

Main points about word origin

The word 'mitre' comes from the Latin 'mitra', which means 'headband'.
This term is often used in Christian contexts, specifically referring to a bishop's headwear.
The design draws from ancient styles, linking back to influences from the Byzantine Empire.

The term 'mitred' originates from the Middle English word 'mitre', which came from the Latin 'mitra', meaning 'headband' or 'head covering'. This, in turn, derived from the Greek word 'mitra', which referred to a type of headdress worn by both men and women in ancient times. Initially, the mitre was a simple form of head covering, but it evolved over time, particularly in Christian contexts, into a ceremonial symbol of authority and office. The use of the mitre as a clerical ornament began in the 9th century, and it became associated specifically with bishops in the Roman Catholic and some Orthodox traditions. The design has varied across cultures, adapting to local customs and liturgical practices. The mitre's pointed shape and decorative elements have come to represent both the spiritual authority of the bishop and the link between heaven and earth.

Mitred Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations