CLERICAL COLLAR Meaning and
Definition
-
A clerical collar refers to a distinctive garment worn by members of the clergy, primarily in Christian denominations, as a visible indication of their religious affiliation and role. It is a white band-like collar that encircles the neck, typically made of cotton or linen material, and is fastened by a narrow cloth strip known as the "collar stud." This symbolic attire is specifically designed to be worn under the outer clerical shirt, hence separating it from the traditional clothing worn by the laity.
The origin of the clerical collar can be traced back to the 19th century, when it gained popularity among Anglican clergy as a means of distinguishing themselves from the congregation. Since then, this attire has become widely adopted by priests, ministers, bishops, and other religious figures in various denominations worldwide.
The purpose of the clerical collar goes beyond fashion or aesthetics. It serves as a representation of the wearer's office and authority within the church, while also signifying their commitment to religious service. In many instances, the collar is viewed as a symbol of pastoral care and empathy, as it helps the public identify clergy members and enables individuals seeking spiritual guidance to approach them.
Overall, the clerical collar is a visible emblem of religious vocation, denoting the wearer's role, dedication, and affiliation in the clergy, reinforcing their unique identity within society.
Common Misspellings for CLERICAL COLLAR
- xlerical collar
- vlerical collar
- flerical collar
- dlerical collar
- ckerical collar
- cperical collar
- coerical collar
- clwrical collar
- clsrical collar
- cldrical collar
- clrrical collar
- cl4rical collar
- cl3rical collar
- cleeical collar
- cledical collar
- clefical collar
- cletical collar
- cle5ical collar
- cle4ical collar
Etymology of CLERICAL COLLAR
The word "clerical collar" is derived from the combination of the terms "clerical" and "collar".
- "Clerical" comes from the Latin word "clericus", which means an educated person or clergyman. It originated from the Greek word "klērikos", meaning "of the clergy". The term "clerical" reflects the connection to the clergy or religious officials.
- "Collar" refers to the band-like garment worn around the neck. It originated from the Old French word "coler", which shares its roots with the Latin term "collum", meaning "neck".
Thus, the term "clerical collar" refers to the specific type of collar worn by clergy members, reflecting their religious roles and identification. The collar is a distinguishing feature of their attire, indicating their religious function.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
