Mitred

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈmaɪ.təd/

Definitions

1. Cut or shaped at an angle so two pieces fit neatly together at a corner
2. Joined with angled cuts to create a smooth joint at the corner of two surfaces
3. Having edges cut to form a precise angled junction, commonly for corners in woodworking or framing

Etymology: The word "mitred" traces back to the mitre, the tall, pointed hat worn by bishops and abbots, which came into English from Latin "mitra" and Greek "mitra," meaning a headband or turban. The hat's shape gave the name its later sense. When two pieces of wood or frame are joined at an angle, the meeting edges are cut diagonally so they fit flush, and that angled cut is called a mitre, after the way the two slanted faces meet to form a point like the hat's peak. "Mitred" is simply the past-participle-style adjective formed by adding "-ed" to "mitre," so it describes something cut or joined at such an angle. Its Middle English form, "mytred," shows the same ending attached to the earlier spelling of the noun, so the word has changed little in shape since then.

Synonyms: crowned, topped, capped, adorned, decorated