Definition

Noun: A stiff, white, band-shaped collar that is closed at the front, worn as a distinctive part of clerical attire by some Christian clergy, especially in the Roman Catholic and Anglican traditions.

Usage

The term "roman collar" specifically refers to the item of clerical clothing. It is typically worn with a black shirt (a clerical shirt) or a cassock. It serves as an immediate, visible identifier of a person's ordained status.

Examples

• The priest adjusted his roman collar before entering the church.
• In many cultures, the roman collar is a recognized symbol of spiritual authority.
• She noticed the distinctive white roman collar beneath the bishop's black suit jacket.

Advanced Usage

• "To wear the collar": This phrase is sometimes used metaphorically to mean to serve as a member of the clergy or to take on clerical duties.
  • After decades of service, he still proudly wears the collar.

Variants and Related Words

• Clerical Collar: A more general term that encompasses the roman collar and other styles of collars worn by clergy.
• Dog Collar: An informal, chiefly British term for a roman collar.

Synonyms

• Clerical collar
• Pastor's collar

Related Idioms

• "Collar the blame": This is not a direct idiom related to the "roman collar." The word "collar" in idioms typically derives from its meaning as to seize or capture (e.g., "collar the criminal") and is unrelated to clerical attire.

Noun

1. a stiff white collar with no opening in the front; a distinctive symbol of the clergy