Tonsure

/ˈtɑːnʃər/
noun

The practice of cutting the hair on the top of the head, usually by monks as a symbol of religious devotion.

The monk entered the monastery and received the tonsure as a symbol of his religious vow.
Visual representation of "tonsure" - The practice of cutting the hair on the top of the head, usually by monks as a symbol of religious devotion.

Often appears as...

  • receive the tonsure
  • tonsure ceremony

Usage tips

Respectful

Religious

noun

The area of baldness on a monk's head created by the tonsure practice.

His tonsure, shining in the sunlight, was a stark contrast to his dark surrounding hair.
Visual representation of "tonsure" - The area of baldness on a monk's head created by the tonsure practice.

Often appears as...

  • shiny tonsure
  • visible tonsure

Usage tips

Neutral

Religious

verb

To cut the hair on the top of someone's head, especially a monk's, as part of a religious ritual.

He was tonsured at the young age of twenty, as part of his commitment to the spiritual life.
Visual representation of "tonsure" - To cut the hair on the top of someone's head, especially a monk's, as part of a religious ritual.

Often appears as...

  • tonsured head
  • tonsured monk

Usage tips

Respectful

Religious

noun

The practice of cutting the hair on the top of the head, usually by monks as a symbol of religious devotion.

The monk entered the monastery and received the tonsure as a symbol of his religious vow.
Visual representation of "tonsure" - The practice of cutting the hair on the top of the head, usually by monks as a symbol of religious devotion.

Often appears as...

  • receive the tonsure
  • tonsure ceremony

Usage tips

Respectful

Religious

noun

The area of baldness on a monk's head created by the tonsure practice.

His tonsure, shining in the sunlight, was a stark contrast to his dark surrounding hair.
Visual representation of "tonsure" - The area of baldness on a monk's head created by the tonsure practice.

Often appears as...

  • shiny tonsure
  • visible tonsure

Usage tips

Neutral

Religious

verb

To cut the hair on the top of someone's head, especially a monk's, as part of a religious ritual.

He was tonsured at the young age of twenty, as part of his commitment to the spiritual life.
Visual representation of "tonsure" - To cut the hair on the top of someone's head, especially a monk's, as part of a religious ritual.

Often appears as...

  • tonsured head
  • tonsured monk

Usage tips

Respectful

Religious

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "tonsure"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Religious Significance

Understand that 'tonsure' signifies a monk's commitment to a life of religious service.

Illustration for Religious Significance
By receiving the tonsure, he marked his entry into the spiritual brotherhood.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Cultural Context

Recognize that 'tonsure' is rooted in specific religious traditions and not common in today's secular contexts.

Illustration for Cultural Context
Tonsure is rarely understood outside of historical or religious discussions.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Widespread

'Tonsure' is mainly associated with certain Christian orders and not a universal religious practice.

Illustration for Not Widespread
He studied the different meanings of tonsure in various Christian monastic orders.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Religious Significance

Understand that 'tonsure' signifies a monk's commitment to a life of religious service.

Illustration for Religious Significance
By receiving the tonsure, he marked his entry into the spiritual brotherhood.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Cultural Context

Recognize that 'tonsure' is rooted in specific religious traditions and not common in today's secular contexts.

Illustration for Cultural Context
Tonsure is rarely understood outside of historical or religious discussions.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Widespread

'Tonsure' is mainly associated with certain Christian orders and not a universal religious practice.

Illustration for Not Widespread
He studied the different meanings of tonsure in various Christian monastic orders.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Religious Significance

Understand that 'tonsure' signifies a monk's commitment to a life of religious service.

Illustration for Religious Significance
By receiving the tonsure, he marked his entry into the spiritual brotherhood.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Cultural Context

Recognize that 'tonsure' is rooted in specific religious traditions and not common in today's secular contexts.

Illustration for Cultural Context
Tonsure is rarely understood outside of historical or religious discussions.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Widespread

'Tonsure' is mainly associated with certain Christian orders and not a universal religious practice.

Illustration for Not Widespread
He studied the different meanings of tonsure in various Christian monastic orders.
Visual representation of the word "Tonsure"

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Quote examples

Derek Jacobi

British Actor

Originally they wanted it to be bigger, but I pleaded and pleaded and pleaded to have the smallest tonsure that they could get away with. A tonsure that could still be seen, but, I worried about my social life!
Portrait of Derek Jacobi

Quote examples

Derek Jacobi

British Actor

Originally they wanted it to be bigger, but I pleaded and pleaded and pleaded to have the smallest tonsure that they could get away with. A tonsure that could still be seen, but, I worried about my social life!
Portrait of Derek Jacobi
Example 1 of 1
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