"Tonsure" Pronounce,Meaning And Examples

"Tonsure" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers

Tonsure
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"Tonsure" Meaning

The term "tonsure" refers to a specific style of haircut or shaving of the head, especially one that typically involves taking a portion or all of the hair from the top of the head, leaving the hair around the sides and back. This practice has been historically associated with various spiritual or monastic traditions, including Christianity, Buddhism, and certain branches of Hinduism, as a symbol of dedication, commitment, and discipline.

More broadly, the term "tonsure" is sometimes used more figuratively to describe a symbolic act of renouncing worldly cares or ambitions, or adopting a new spiritual perspective, metaphorically shaving the forehead of worldly attachments.

In modern contexts, a "tonsure" haircut might not necessarily be associated with spiritual or cultural traditions, but can simply be a stylish or aesthetic choice.

"Tonsure" Examples

5 Usage Examples of the Word "Tonsure"


Example 1: A priest who has received the tonsure is considered a tonsured or tonsured cleric.

In Christian tradition, the tonsure was a practice where a person would have their hair cut in a specific way to signify their renunciation of worldly life.

Example 2: The abbey required the new monks to receive the tonsure as the first step in their ascetic training.

The abbey's strict rules and customs were designed to help young monks focus on their spiritual development.

Example 3: The tonsure had practical and symbolic applications in various cultures, including ancient Greece and Rome.

Monastic practices often blended philosophy, spirituality, and practical skills.

Example 4: Thai Buddhist monks wear the tonsure as a way to show their renunciation of worldly desires and attachment.

In Buddhist tradition, the shaved head represented the rejection of worldly adornments and desires.

Example 5: In modern times, the term "tonsure" is still used in certain Christian denominations to refer to the practice of shaving the head as a symbol of spiritual devotion.

Different denominations have specific customs and interpretations of the tonsure, reflecting their unique understandings of spirituality and faith.

"Tonsure" Similar Words

Tonsillotomy

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A surgical procedure to remove a portion of the tonsil.

Tonsilolith

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A tonsilolith, also known as a tonsillith or tonsil stone, is a hard, cheesy or sandy glob found on the surface of the tonsils. It's a small, yellowish or white growth that has accumulated on the crevices of the tonsils. Tonsiloliths are often covered with bacteria and can be a source of bad breath, sore throat, and other respiratory issues. They are usually harmless but can sometimes cause discomfort and symptoms like difficulty swallowing, sore throat, and bad breath.

Tonsiloliths

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Tonsilotomy

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Tonsilotomy is a surgical procedure in which the tonsils are removed or reduced in size.

Tonsils

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Tonsor

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A tonsor is a person who shaves, especially as part of a barber or barbershop service. They are also known as barbers or executioners in olden times.

Tonsorial

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Relating to the cutting and arrangement of hair.

Tonsural

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Tonsural refers to anything related to the crown of the head, especially the location where the hair is cut in a tonsure, which is a mark made on the top of the head when a person becomes a monk or priest in some Christian traditions. It can also refer to the edges of the head just below the hairline where the hair is typically sheared off in a tonsure.

Tonsured

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Tonsuring

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Tonsuring refers to the practice of cutting or shaving the hair from the crown or a portion of the head, typically as a form of asceticism, a means of humiliating oneself before a higher power or as a token of allegiance.

Tontine

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A tontine is a monetary system or investment plan in which contributions are made and the returns are paid to the last contributor remaining in the tontine. The system was created by the Italian [("Abbe Carlos Giovanni Maria de Ligne de Montseréii created the first modern tontine, known as the "Tontine" in 1653 to help settle the debts of French and Dutche soldiers.

Tonto

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Silly or dim-witted, especially in a way that is endearing or humorous. <br><br>Example: "Don't call him silly! He's just a bit tonto, that's all."<br><br>(In this context, the word "tonto" has a colloquial or affectionate UK meaning, originating from a 20th-century BBC comedy show where the main character was named "Ye Olde Tonto").

Too

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Toodle-oo

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Toodyay

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Toodyay is an Australian geographic name which is the name of several places:<br><br>1. Toodyay, Western Australia, a town about 86 km (53 miles) north-east of Perth.<br>2. Toodyay (rivulet), a rivulet / stream in Western Australia.

Tooheys

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