biretta

[ buh-ret-uh ]

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of biretta¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of biretta¹

C16: from Italian berretta , from Old Provençal berret , from Late Latin birrus hooded cape

Example Sentences

He sighed, but resigning himself to the inevitable, lifted his biretta as he came up to the door.

From Project Gutenberg

Then came a large man with bold features and dark complexion, wearing a purple robe edged with red and a red biretta.

From Project Gutenberg

On our heads we wore a fascinating "biretta," or cap with a tall feather.

From Project Gutenberg

Cerini was clad in the black silk soutane of his learned order, with the biretta upon his head.

From Project Gutenberg

The pope first invests him with the rochet and red biretta, but there is no formal ceremony.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• hat
• helmet
• tiara
• turban