n. & v. (US miter)
n. 1 a tall deeply-cleft head-dress worn by bishops and abbots, esp. as a symbol of office. 2 the joint of two pieces of wood or other material at an angle of 90ø, such that the line of junction bisects this angle. 3 a diagonal join of two pieces of fabric that meet at a corner, made by folding.
v. 1 tr. bestow the mitre on. 2 tr. & intr. join with a mitre. mitre-block (or board or box) a guide for a saw in cutting mitre-joints. mitre-wheels a pair of bevelled cog-wheels with teeth set at 45ø and axes at right angles. mitred adj.
[ ME f. OF f. L mitra f. Gk mitra girdle, turban ]