Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

tonsure

noun

/ˈtɒn.ʃər/

Definition

A practice involving the shaving of the crown of the head, especially in certain religious contexts.

Examples

The monk’s tonsure was a visible sign of his devotion.
During the ceremony, the priest performed a traditional tonsure for the new acolytes.
In some cultures, a child’s first haircut is considered a form of tonsure.

Meaning

Tonsure refers to the act of cutting or shaving hair, typically in a circular shape on the top of the head, often as a religious symbol or rite of passage.