online medical dictionary | definition of mitre

1. A covering for the head, worn on solemn occasions by church dignitaries. It has been made in many forms, the present form being a lofty cap with two points or peaks.

2. The surface forming the beveled end or edge of a piece where a miter joint is made; also, a joint formed or a junction effected by two beveled ends or edges; a miter joint.

3. A sort of base money or coin.

<medicine> Miter box, a bevel with an immovable arm at an angle of 45 deg, for striking lines on stuff to be mitered; also, a square with an arm adjustable to any angle. Miter wheels, a pair of bevel gears, of equal diameter, adapted for working together, usually with their axes at right angles.

Origin: F. Mitre, fr. L. Mitra headband, turban, Gr.

American spelling: miter

(01 Mar 1998)