bishop's mitre: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Ecclesiastical, Historical
Quick answer
What does “bishop's mitre” mean?
The tall, pointed ceremonial headdress worn by bishops and certain abbots in the Western Christian tradition, especially during liturgical functions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The tall, pointed ceremonial headdress worn by bishops and certain abbots in the Western Christian tradition, especially during liturgical functions.
A tall, deeply cleft, triangular headdress, often richly ornamented, that is a symbol of episcopal authority and office. The term can also refer to architectural features, plant shapes, or other objects resembling this headdress.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK 'mitre', US 'miter'. The term is equally rare in both varieties but follows standard spelling conventions.
Connotations
Identical connotations of high church authority, tradition, and ceremonial formality in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse. Used almost exclusively in religious, historical, or heraldic contexts. No significant frequency difference between UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “bishop's mitre” in a Sentence
The bishop wore [a/an ADJ] bishop's mitre.The [ADJ] bishop's mitre was placed on the altar.It was shaped like a bishop's mitre.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bishop's mitre” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The archbishop will be mitred during the ceremony.
American English
- The newly appointed bishop was mitered in a grand service.
adjective
British English
- The mitre-shaped finial adorned the roof.
American English
- They studied the miter joint in woodworking class.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, theological, art history, or costume studies texts discussing ecclesiastical vestments.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might appear in descriptive historical fiction or news reports about significant religious ceremonies.
Technical
Used in precise descriptions within liturgy, heraldry, and ecclesiastical tailoring.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bishop's mitre”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bishop's mitre”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bishop's mitre”
- Misspelling: 'mighter', 'mitter'.
- Using 'bishop's mitre' to refer to a cardinal's hat (which is red and broad-brimmed).
- Omitting the possessive 's' (incorrect: 'bishop mitre').
- Confusing it with a 'zucchetto' (skullcap).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A bishop's mitre is a tall, cleft, liturgical hat. A papal tiara was a triple-crowned ceremonial headpiece used by popes until the mid-20th century. They are distinct symbols of different offices.
No. The mitre is primarily used in Western Christian traditions (e.g., Roman Catholic, Anglican, some Lutheran). Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic bishops wear a different headdress called a mitra or crown, which is often bulbous.
Commonly, they are interpreted as representing the two testaments of the Bible (Old and New) or the two natures of Christ (divine and human).
Yes. In woodworking, a 'miter' (US spelling) is a type of joint. In heraldry, a 'mitre' can be a charge on a coat of arms. It can also describe the shape of certain leaves or shells.
The tall, pointed ceremonial headdress worn by bishops and certain abbots in the Western Christian tradition, especially during liturgical functions.
Bishop's mitre is usually formal, ecclesiastical, historical in register.
Bishop's mitre: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɪʃəps ˈmaɪtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɪʃəps ˈmaɪtɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated. Figurative: 'to assume the mitre' means to become a bishop.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BISHOP standing at the ALTAR, wearing a tall, pointy hat that looks like two mountain peaks meeting – that's his MITRE. Bishop + Mountain peaks = Mitre.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS HEIGHT / OFFICE IS A CROWN. The tall, prominent mitre physically elevates the bishop, symbolising his elevated spiritual authority and office.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the term 'bishop's mitre'?