Hairshirt

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: en, /ˈhɛəʃɜːt/
• US enPR: hârʹshÉ™rt, IPA: en, /ˈhɛɹʃɝt/

Origin

en + hair + shirt

Full definition of hairshirt

Noun

1. A shirt made of haircloth; a cilice; especially one worn by ascetics or the penitent
2. (figurative) A state of penitence and humility.

Adjective

1. Advocating or adopting a relatively ascetic lifestyle, especially for environmentalist reasons.