chimere: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Ecclesiastical, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “chimere” mean?
A loose, sleeveless robe worn by Anglican bishops and some other clergy over the rochet during ceremonies.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A loose, sleeveless robe worn by Anglican bishops and some other clergy over the rochet during ceremonies.
Historically, a similar outer garment, often of silk or satin and sometimes trimmed with fur, worn by academics, judges, or the nobility.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is almost exclusively British due to the Anglican context. In American English, it is a highly specialized term, known mainly in Episcopal and some academic circles.
Connotations
Evokes high church tradition, formality, and historical continuity in the UK. In the US, it may simply denote an obscure piece of clerical clothing.
Frequency
Exceedingly rare in general use. Far more frequent in UK ecclesiastical and historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “chimere” in a Sentence
[Subject: Bishop/Clergy] + [Verb: wear/put on/don] + [Object: a/the chimere][Subject: Chimere] + [Verb: be worn/be trimmed with] + [Prepositional Phrase: over the rochet/by...]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chimere” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The bishop will be chimered for the enthronement service.
American English
- The presiding bishop was chimered in scarlet for the special ceremony.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, theological, and liturgical studies discussing church vestments.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Specific term in ecclesiastical heraldry, liturgy, and clerical outfitting.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chimere”
- Misspelling as 'chimer' or 'chimera'.
- Pronouncing the final 'e' (it is silent).
- Using it as a synonym for any long coat or robe.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are false friends. 'Chimere' comes from Middle French 'chamarre', meaning a loose coat, while 'chimera' comes from Latin for a mythical monster.
Primarily Anglican bishops and some university officials in historical dress. It is worn over a rochet (a white, sleeved vestment).
No, it is a C2-level, highly specialized term. Most native English speakers would not know it unless they are familiar with Anglican liturgy or historical costume.
Very rarely and only in niche ecclesiastical jargon (e.g., 'the bishop was chimered'). Standard usage is as a noun.
A loose, sleeveless robe worn by Anglican bishops and some other clergy over the rochet during ceremonies.
Chimere is usually formal, ecclesiastical, archaic in register.
Chimere: in British English it is pronounced /tʃɪˈmɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /tʃɪˈmɪr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “robe and chimere (traditional formal attire of an Anglican bishop)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHURCH MINISTER's robe' -> CHIMERE. A minister wears a chimere in church.
Conceptual Metaphor
GARMENT IS AUTHORITY / GARMENT IS TRADITION.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'chimere' most accurately used?