A square cap with three or four peaks worn by Catholic clergy, typically black, red, or purple depending on rank.
From Italian 'berretta,' derived from Late Latin 'birrus' meaning a hooded cloak. Originally, it referred to any cap or hood, but by medieval times became specifically associated with clerical wear. The distinctive three or four ridged peaks developed in the 15th century to distinguish different ranks within the Church hierarchy - the number of peaks and color indicating the wearer's position.
This distinctive square clerical cap started as just any old hood or cap in medieval times, but the Catholic Church turned it into a complex ranking system where the number of ridges on your hat literally shows your place in the hierarchy. It's like military stripes, but on your head.
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