Definition

Noun: A birretta is a stiff, square cap with three or four distinct ridges or peaks on its crown. It is traditionally worn by clergy in the Roman Catholic Church, particularly by bishops, cardinals, and some other ecclesiastics, as a symbol of their office.

Usage

The word "birretta" is used specifically to refer to this distinct piece of clerical headgear. It is a formal term. * The cardinal adjusted his birretta before the procession began. * In many official portraits, bishops are depicted wearing a birretta.

Advanced Usage

• The color of the birretta often denotes the rank of the wearer (e.g., scarlet for cardinals, violet for bishops, black for priests).
• The act of putting on or taking off the birretta can be part of formal liturgical ceremonies.

Variants and Related Words

• Biretta: This is the more common and standard spelling in English for the same item.
• Berretta: An alternate, less common spelling.

Synonyms

• Cap
• Ecclesiastical hat
• Clerical headgear

Note: While "cap" is a general synonym, "birretta" specifies a very particular type of cap with a formal, religious context. There are no direct, single-word synonyms that capture all its specific features.

Noun

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