biretta
Americannoun
noun
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
Francis gave the red-and-white-garbed cardinals their square hat, known as a biretta, and their ring of office in the presence of hundreds of other cardinals and bishops during the solemn ceremony inside Christendom's largest church.
From Reuters ● Feb. 22, 2014
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
The priest’s cap or biretta was sometimes employed to instal him in a chaplainry or benefice.
From Legal Lore Curiosities of Law and Lawyers by Various
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