I. ˈtänchə(r) noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin tonsura, from Latin, act of shearing, clipping, from tonsus (past participle of tondēre to shear, clip, crop) + -ura -ure — more at tome
1. : the clipping or shaving of the head ; specifically : the shaving of a distinctive portion of the head as part of a rite accompanying admission to the clerical state
2. : the shaven crown or patch worn by monks and various clerics
3. : a bald spot that resembles a tonsure
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to shave the head of : confer the tonsure upon