biretta

American  

[buh-ret-uh] / bəˈrɛt ə /

Also berretta,

noun

1. a stiff square cap with three or four upright projecting pieces extending from the center of the top to the edge, worn by ecclesiastics.

---

biretta British  

/ bɪˈrɛtə /

noun

1. RC Church a stiff clerical cap having either three or four upright pieces projecting outwards from the centre to the edge: coloured black for priests, purple for bishops, red for cardinals, and white for certain members of religious orders

---

Etymology

Origin of biretta

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Italian berretta, feminine variant of berretto, from Old Provençal berret, from Medieval Latin birrettum “cap,” equivalent to Late Latin birr(us) “hooded cloak” + -ettum diminutive suffix; apparently by the development: “hooded cloak” to “hood” to “cap”; compare Medieval Latin (circa 800) byrrus “short hood” ( cuculla brevis ); birrus, -et

Example Sentences

A photograph showed Bishop Joyce, in cassock and biretta, standing in front of a Christmas tree with children on each side.

From The New Yorker • Apr. 8, 2019

During Saturday's ceremony at St Peter's Basilica, known as a consistory, the 68-year-old will kneel before the pope and have a scarlet biretta placed on his head and will receive a ring.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2014

Ahead of the changes in Vatican headwear that would come later in the ’60s, some prelates petitioned to be able to wear the zucchetto instead of the stiffer biretta.

From Slate • Mar. 12, 2013

Benedict gave the new cardinals their ring and traditional red "biretta," or hat.

From Reuters • Nov. 24, 2012

Upon the head was a biretta of black velvet.

From House of Torment A Tale of the Remarkable Adventures of Mr. John Commendone, Gentleman to King Phillip II of Spain at the English Court by Gull, Cyril Arthur Edward Ranger

Related Words

• hat
• helmet
• tiara
• turban