noun
- the practice of cutting or shaving some or all of the hair on the head as a religious rite or symbol of religious devotion
- the shaved crown or patch on the head of a monk or priest
Usage: religious
Usage: religious
verb
- to shave the crown of the head, especially as a religious rite
Usage: religious
Examples
- The monk received his tonsure when he took his vows.
- Medieval priests were easily recognized by their distinctive tonsure.
- The abbot performed the ceremony to tonsure the new novice.
- His tonsure marked him as a member of the religious order.
- The practice of tonsure varied among different monastic communities.
- They would tonsure candidates as part of their ordination.