Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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HAT, ECCLESIASTICAL

Distinctive headgear worm by the clergy. A red broad-brimmed head covering with special halyards has always been a cardinal's chief insignia. It is seldom worn and in some cathedrals is suspended from the sanctuary ceiling (preferably over his tomb) on his death. In heraldry such a hat in green or black appears for a bishop or priest, but in the Catholic Church of the Latin Rite such apparel is never worn. The Pope's hat is generally white.

See Also: RED HAT