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 ); 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

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

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

He wore Spanish boots and a velvet biretta, all very gallant.

From Lucretia Borgia According to Original Documents and Correspondence of Her Day by Gregorovius, Ferdinand

Related Words

• hat
• helmet
• tiara
• turban