Tonsures

vary in size according to rank.

For clerics the tonsure should be 1 inch in diameter. (Gastaldus, ii. sect. i: chap. viii.)

For those in minor orders it should be 1 1/2 inch. (Council of Palencia under Urban VI.)

For a sub-deacon 1 3/4 inch. (Gastaldus, xi. sect. i. chap. viii.)

For a deacon 2 inches. (Gastaldus, xi. sect. i. chap. ix.)

For a priest 2 1/2 inches. (Council of Palencia.)

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.