tonsure

¹ton·sure

noun \ˈtän(t)-shər\

Definition of TONSURE

1

: the Roman Catholic or Eastern rite of admission to the clerical state by the clipping or shaving of a portion of the head

2

: the shaven crown or patch worn by monks and other clerics

3

: a bald spot resembling a tonsure

Origin of TONSURE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin tonsura, from Latin, act of shearing, from tonsus, past participle of tondēre to shear — more at tome

First Known Use: 14th century