1. the act of cutting or shaving the hair, especially the crown of the head, as a religious rite or symbol of entering a religious order
Usage: religious
2. the shaved area on the crown of a monk’s or priest’s head
Usage: religious

1. to cut or shave the hair from the crown of the head as a religious rite
Usage: religious

Examples

• The monk received his tonsure when he entered the monastery.
• Medieval priests were easily recognized by their distinctive tonsures.
• The abbot tonsures new novices during the ordination ceremony.
• His tonsure marked him as a member of the religious community.
• The circular tonsure was a common sight in medieval monasteries.
• She studied the different styles of tonsures used by various religious orders.
• The priest’s tonsure had grown out during his long journey.