Brewer's: Tonsure

(2 syl.). The tonsure of St. Peter consists in shaving the crown and back of the head, so as to leave a ring or “crown” of hair.

The tonsure of James

consists in shaving the entire front of the head. This is sometimes called “the tonsure of Simon the Magician,” and sometimes “the Scottish tonsure,” from its use in North Britain.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894

Tonsures

Tonna

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Brewer's: Tonsure

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