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Glite Dictionary
birretta

birretta

9.9
A stiff square cap with three or four peaks that priests and cardinals wear
  • noun
  • /bɪˈrɛtə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : birreta
  • The priest adjusted his birretta before stepping up to the altar.

Examples

  • Cardinals are often recognized by their distinctive red birretta.

  • He removed his birretta as a sign of respect during the ceremony.

  • The priest wore a birretta during the ceremony.

  • Many birrettas are made of silk or wool.

  • Cardinals are often recognized by their distinctive red birretta.

  • He removed his birretta as a sign of respect during the ceremony.

  • The priest adjusted his birretta before stepping up to the altar.

Synonyms

biretta
vsbirretta
1 9.9

A stiff square cap with three or four ridges worn by priests, bishops, and some academics

is the same cap but mainly associated only with Roman Catholic clergy
berretta
vsbirretta
  • UK
9.9

A stiff square cap with ridges on top worn by Catholic priests

is the same cap but used specifically by Roman Catholic clergy

Surface Forms

birretta singular
birrettas plural

Etymology

Birretta comes from Italian birretta, a small form of the Latin word birrus, which meant a 'hooded cloak'. So a birretta is like a small head covering or little hood, which helps explain why it became the square cap worn by clergy.