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 90°, 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.
Phrases and idioms:
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 45° and axes at right angles.
Derivatives:
mitred adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF f. L mitra f. Gk mitra girdle, turban