Tonsured is a word pronounced as /ˈtɒnʃəd/ and is used to describe a person who has undergone the religious practice of shaving their head. The spelling of the word can be confusing because the "s" and "u" are not pronounced separately - they blend together to make a "shh" sound. The "o" is pronounced like "ah", and the final "ed" sound is pronounced like "d". Remembering the pronunciation and spelling of the word can be helpful for those who come across it in religious or historical texts.
Tonsured is an adjective that refers to the act of shaving or cutting off the hair from a person's scalp, typically as part of a religious or ceremonial practice. The term primarily finds its roots in the ecclesiastical or monastic context, predominantly within the Christian and Buddhist traditions.
In Christianity, the tonsure is often symbolic of renunciation or dedication to a religious order. It involves shaving a specific area of the head, leaving a distinctive patch of hair, such as a circular or strip-shaped tonsure. This traditional practice can vary among different denominations and regions.
In Buddhism, the tonsure is a customary ritual for individuals who choose the monastic path. It signifies the abandonment of worldly attachments and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Tonsure in Buddhism may involve varying styles, depending on the specific Buddhist sect or country.
Apart from its religious connotations, the term "tonsured" can also be used metaphorically or symbolically to describe a closely shaven or bald scalp resulting from various non-religious contexts. This may include instances such as surgical procedures, military enlistment, or personal style choices.
Overall, "tonsured" encapsulates the act of cutting or shaving the scalp hair to reflect religious commitments or other forms of dedication, preserving a unique patch or shape. The meaning of "tonsured" can extend beyond the mere physical act, representing a deeper spiritual or symbolic significance in certain cultural or religious traditions.
Shaven on the crown; shorn; bald.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The term "tonsured" comes from the Latin word "tonsurare", which means "to shear" or "to shave". It is derived from the Latin noun "tonsur". The practice of tonsuring refers to the act of cutting or shaving off the hair, specifically referring to the religious practice of shaving a portion of the head of monks, clerics, and certain religious adherents.