Mitre

Mitre, a sacerdotal head-dress conferred by the Pope as a distinction on cardinals and certain prelates and abbots. The present form is a lofty cleft cap. rising from a coronet. It is now regarded as an attribute and symbol of bishopric, and is occasionally worn by a few Anglican bishops. There are three kinds of mitres, the mitre of precious metal, the auriphrygiate, and the cap of silk or fine linen. The head-dress of the Jewish high priest is called a mitre. The origin of this cap of dignity seems to be Oriental, and was perhaps derived from an article of female attire.