1. the practice of cutting or shaving some or all of the hair on the head as a religious rite or symbol of religious devotion
Usage: religious
2. the shaved crown or patch on the head of a monk or priest
Usage: religious

1. 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.