Word: Clerical Collar
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: A clerical collar is a stiff, white collar that has no opening in the front. It is often worn by members of the clergy, such as priests and ministers, as a symbol of their religious role.
Usage Instructions:
- The term "clerical collar" is usually used in discussions about religion, fashion in religious contexts, or when talking about clergy members. - You can use it in sentences to describe someone’s appearance or their profession.
Example Sentence:
"The priest wore a black suit and a clerical collar as he entered the church."
Advanced Usage:
In more advanced discussions, you might encounter the term in articles about religious attire or in historical contexts when discussing the evolution of clerical dress.
Example in Advanced Context:
"Throughout history, the clerical collar has evolved from simple linen bands to the more recognizable stiff collars we see today, reflecting changes in ecclesiastical fashion."
Word Variants:
- There are no direct variants of "clerical collar," but related terms include "cleric" (a member of the clergy) and "collar" (which can refer to any type of neckband in clothing).
Different Meaning:
While "clerical collar" specifically refers to the type of collar worn by clergy, the word "clerical" on its own can also mean related to office work or administrative tasks (e.g., clerical work, which involves tasks like filing, typing, and managing correspondence).
Synonyms:
- Clergy collar - Ministerial collar
(Note: There are not many direct synonyms since it is a specific term, but these alternatives might sometimes be used.)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There are no commonly used idioms or phrasal verbs that directly include "clerical collar," but you might hear phrases like "to don one's clerical collar," which means to put on the collar, implying readiness to perform duties as a clergy member.
This explanation should help you understand what a "clerical collar" is and how it is used in English!