1 tonsorial | Definition of tonsorial
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tonsorial

adjective
ton·​so·​ri·​al | \ tän-ˈsȯr-Ä“-É™l How to pronounce tonsorial (audio) \

Definition of tonsorial

: of or relating to a barber or the work of a barber
Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about tonsorial

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Did You Know?

Tonsorial is a fancy word that describes the work of those who give shaves and haircuts. (It can apply more broadly to hairdressers as well.) It derives from the Latin verb tondēre, meaning "to shear, clip or crop." (Another descendant, "tonsor," is an archaic word for a barber.) You might be more familiar with the related noun "tonsure," which refers to the shaven crown or patch worn by monks and other clerics, or the religious rite of clipping the head of one being admitted as a cleric. The verb tonsure means "to shave the head of."

Examples of tonsorial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 In a school full of mean kids, her tonsorial nightmare makes her an easy target. — Sheri Linden, latimes.com, "Even the movie itself is having a bad hair day in 'Permanent'," 15 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tonsorial.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of tonsorial

1813, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for tonsorial

Latin tonsorius, from tondēre

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More from Merriam-Webster on tonsorial

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with tonsorial

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