Definition

Adjective: * Having a bald spot either shaved or natural: Describes a person, typically a monk or other religious figure, whose head has a circular area of hair shaved off, leaving a bald crown, or who naturally has such baldness. This style is often associated with certain religious orders as a sign of devotion or humility.

Usage

The adjective "tonsured" is used to describe the appearance of a person's head. It is most commonly and specifically applied to members of religious clergy, particularly in Christian monastic traditions. It can be used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb).

Examples

• The tonsured monk walked silently through the cloister.
• In the medieval painting, all the friars are depicted as tonsured.
• He was easily identifiable as a cleric because he was tonsured.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used metaphorically or descriptively for anyone with a similar, naturally occurring pattern of baldness, though this is less common.
  • The old man had a tonsured head, with a ring of white hair surrounding a shiny scalp.

Variants and Related Words

• Tonsure (noun): The act of shaving the crown of the head as a religious rite, or the bald patch resulting from this.
  • He received his tonsure upon entering the monastery.
• Tonsure (verb): To shave the head of a person as part of a religious ceremony.
  • The abbot will tonsure the new novices tomorrow.

Synonyms

• Shaven-pated: Having a shaved head.
• Bald-crowned: Having a bald spot on the crown of the head.

Antonyms

• Hairy
• Hirsute
• Long-haired

Related Phrases/Idioms

• To take/receive the tonsure: This is a set phrase referring to the ceremony of becoming a cleric or monk, which includes the ritual shaving of the head.
  • After years of study, he was ready to take the tonsure.

Adjective

1. having a bald spot either shaved or natural
   • tonsured monks