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Tonsure: meaning, definitions and examples

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tonsure

 

[ ˈtɒn.ʃər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious practice

Tonsure is a practice in certain religious traditions, particularly within Christianity, where the hair is cut or shaved from the crown of the head, symbolizing humility and the renouncement of worldly things. It is often associated with monastic life, where monks and nuns adopt this practice as part of their vows.

Synonyms

clipping, cropping, shaving

Examples of usage

  • The monk received his tonsure during the ordination ceremony.
  • In some cultures, a child's first haircut is performed as a form of tonsure.
  • The tonsure of the clergy serves as a visible sign of their commitment to the faith.

Translations

Translations of the word "tonsure" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tonsura

🇮🇳 तौन्सुर

🇩🇪 Tonsur

🇮🇩 tonsur

🇺🇦 тонзура

🇵🇱 tonsura

🇯🇵 トンズラ

🇫🇷 tonsure

🇪🇸 tonsura

🇹🇷 tonsur

🇰🇷 톤수르

🇸🇦 تونسور

🇨🇿 tonzura

🇸🇰 tonsura

🇨🇳 剃发

🇸🇮 tonsura

🇮🇸 tonsura

🇰🇿 тонзура

🇬🇪 ტონსურა

🇦🇿 tonsura

🇲🇽 tonsura

Etymology

The word 'tonsure' originates from the Latin word 'tonsura', which means 'a cutting, shear'. This Latin term is derived from 'tondēre', meaning 'to shear' or 'to clip'. Historically, tonsure was a common practice in various religious communities, especially in the early Christian church and among monastic orders. It served not only as a symbol of religious devotion but also as a means of distinguishing clergy from laypersons. Over the centuries, the practice of tonsure varied widely, with different styles and significance attributed to it across cultures. While its prominence has diminished in modern times, it still holds cultural and spiritual significance in certain religious groups.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,773 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.