Bible Dictionary
Bonnet
A bonnet was a priestly head covering, a white linen turban worn by the ordinary priests. Related head-tires were also worn by women and other persons in biblical society.
Definition
A bonnet was a priestly head covering, especially the turban worn by the ordinary priests. It consisted of a long strip of fine white linen wound around the head. Related words describe head-tires, ornaments, or turbans worn by women and others.
Biblical Usage
The bonnet was part of the appointed dress of the common priesthood and distinguished from the mitre of the high priest. Scripture also uses related terms for female head-dresses and other ornamental coverings.
Historical Background
The priestly head-tire was formed by winding linen around the head in an oriental fashion, producing an egg-shaped turban.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Heb. peer), Ex. 39:28 (R.V., “head-tires”); Ezek. 44:18 (R.V., “tires”), denotes properly a turban worn by priests, and in Isa. 3:20 (R.V., “head-tires”) a head-dress or tiara worn by females. The Hebrew word so rendered literally means an ornament, as in Isa. 61:10 (R.V., “garland”), and in Ezek. 24:17, 23 “tire” (R.V., “head-tire”). It consisted of a piece of cloth twisted about the head. In Ex. 28:40; 29:9 it is the translation of a different Hebrew word (migba’ah), which denotes the turban (R.V., “head-tire”) of the common priest as distinguished from the mitre of the high priest. (See MITRE.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>bon'-et: In the King James Version the designation of the special headdress of the rank and file of the priesthood, the Revised Version (British and American) "head-tire" (Ex 28:40). It consisted of a long swath of fine white linen wound around the head in oriental fashion. The Hebrew word found in Ex 29:9 the Revised Version (British and American), "to bind head-tires," literally "to wind head-tires," means, in the light of usage, "to form an egg-shaped turban." Compare Josephus, Ant, III, vii, 3; and see Rich, Dict. Roman and Greek Ant, under the word pileus, for illustration of the egg- shaped cap of Ulysses, with which Jerome compared the priestly turban.</p><p>See DRESS; MITRE, etc.</p>