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.

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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

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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 ); see 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

When I was in Rome several years ago, I went into one of the hottest clergy-clothing stores to look around, and spotted a biretta!

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 29, 2018

Fifteen of those who received their red "biretta" hats on Saturday are under 80, bringing the total number of "cardinal electors" to 125.

From Reuters • Feb. 14, 2015

Dressed in a crimson cassock and a traditional biretta hat, the Cardinal gave an impassioned speech that the leaders of BPI hope will be a turning point for the historically divisive politics surrounding college-in-prison programs.

From Slate • Jan. 28, 2015

Paul looked back several times at the stranger who followed him and beheld a man of military bearing dressed in black velvet, wearing a black biretta and a full black beard.

From Klytia A Story of Heidelberg Castle by Hausrath, Adolf

Related Words

• hat
• helmet
• tiara
• turban