A mitre is the angled joint where two pieces meet at a corner, usually cut at 45° so they form a neat right angle. It also refers to the tall, pointed hat worn by bishops and some clergy.
DIY fans talk about cutting a mitre when they want perfect corners on picture frames or skirting boards. In church news, you might hear that “the bishop arrived in full mitre and robes.” The word just pops up whenever a sharp corner or that iconic hat is involved.
Meaning & Usage Examples
• “We cut a mitre on each end of the trim so the corners line up.”
• “The ceremony opened with the archbishop adjusting his golden mitre.”
• “Check the mitre before gluing the frame; even a 1° error shows.”
Context / Common Use
In workshops, “mitre” shows up on saws and boxes labeled “mitre saw” or “mitre box.” In religion, it appears in photos and reports about ordinations or royal weddings. Same spelling, two scenes—building and bishops.
Is a mitre always 45°?
No. Most corners use 45°, but odd angles like 30° or 60° are still called mitres if two pieces meet edge-to-edge.
Can I say “mitre” for the hat only?
In everyday speech, yes. If you say “the bishop’s mitre,” people picture the tall hat, not a wood joint.
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