Definition

Noun: A stiff, square cap with three or four ridges or peaks on its crown, traditionally worn by clergy in the Roman Catholic Church and some other Christian denominations.

Usage

The word "biretta" is used specifically to refer to this distinct type of ecclesiastical headgear. It is a formal term. * The priest adjusted his biretta before entering the cathedral. * In the procession, the cardinal's scarlet biretta was clearly visible.

Advanced Usage

• The color of a biretta can denote rank: black for priests, purple for bishops, and scarlet for cardinals.
• The act of putting on or taking off the biretta during liturgical ceremonies follows specific rubrics.

Variants and Related Words

• Birettas (plural noun): The standard plural form.
  • The seminarians were each given new birettas.

Synonyms

• Cap
• Ecclesiastical hat

Note: While "cap" is a general synonym, "biretta" is the precise term for this specific clerical garment. There is no direct single-word synonym with identical meaning.

Noun

1. a stiff cap with ridges across the crown; worn by Roman Catholic clergy