CROWN, in an ecclesiastical sense, is used to denote the clerical tonsure of the Roman Catholics. This is a little circle of hair shaved off from the crown of the head, more or less broad, according to the quality of the orders received; that of a mere clerk being the smallest, and that of priests and monks the largest. The clerical crown was anciently made in imitation of a fillet, by shaving off a portion of hair around the head. This may be seen in several ancient statues and monuments. The orders of St Dominic and St Francis still retain it. See TONSURE.