The word "mitre" can be spelled in different ways, such as "miter" in American English. The spelling of the word is related to its pronunciation, which is /ˈmaɪtər/ in American English and /ˈmɪtə/ in British English. The variation in spelling occurred due to the differences in the way the word is pronounced in the two dialects. The word "mitre" is commonly used to refer to a headdress worn by religious officials, and it is important to use the correct spelling to avoid confusion.
A mitre is a noun that refers to a type of head covering or ceremonial headdress worn by certain religious officials, particularly bishops and other high-ranking clergy members in Christian denominations. It is typically made of fabric and shaped like a tall, pointed hat with decorative elements such as embroidery, lace, or jewels adorning it. The mitre is worn during religious ceremonies and signifies the authority and office of the individual wearing it.
Historically, the mitre evolved from a traditional cap worn by Roman dignitaries and was later adopted by early Christian clergy as a symbol of their elevated status and spiritual authority. The shape of the mitre is thought to represent the tongues of fire that appeared above the heads of the apostles during Pentecost, as described in the Christian Bible.
The mitre, beyond its religious significance, also carries cultural and historical connotations. It is often depicted in religious art and iconography as a visual symbol of the clergy. Additionally, the mitre has become a recognizable symbol of ecclesiastical authority and the institutional hierarchy within the Church.
In summary, a mitre is a ceremonial head covering worn by bishops and other high-ranking clergy members in Christian denominations, signifying their authority and office. It is shaped like a tall, pointed hat with decorative elements and has both religious and cultural significance.
• To adorn with a mitre: to unite at an angle of 45°.
• A sort of crown worn on solemn occasions by cardinals, archbishops, bishops, and sometimes by abbots; episcopal dignity; the junction of objects, as of mouldings, at an angle of 45°.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "mitre" can be traced back to the Late Latin word "mitra", which originally referred to a type of headband worn by the people of ancient Persia. The Latin word itself was borrowed from the Greek word "mitra", meaning "headband" or "turban".
In the early Christian Church, the mitre evolved into a distinctive headdress worn by bishops and other church officials. It consisted of a tall pointed cap with two flaps extending down at the sides. Over time, the term "mitre" came to specifically refer to this specific ecclesiastical headgear.
The ultimate origins of the word are uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from ancient Persian or possibly from an ancient Indo-European root.