Bishop's ring

noun

, Meteorology.

1. a reddish-brown corona occasionally seen around the sun, caused by volcanic dust in the atmosphere.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Bishop's ring¹

After Sereno E. Bishop (1827–1909), U.S. missionary in Hawaii, who described such rings, resulting from the explosion of Krakatoa, in 1883

Example Sentences

Kissing a bishop’s ring was a commonplace sign of reverence until the mid-20th century, according to this explainer from America magazine.

From Slate

A bishop’s ring symbolizes his “marriage” to the diocese he oversees; as bishop of Rome, the pope wears a ring representing both his leadership and service of the church as a whole.

From Slate

So, if you feel a want, or great or small, Or if for some preferment you are striving, The more you please to give the more ’twill bring, Be it a purple cap or bishop’s ring.

From Project Gutenberg

He does not have the the title of bishop but has the right to wear a pectoral cross, a bishop's ring and a mitre.

From BBC

Paul led the aged man to an apartment in St. John's Tower and �in the ultimate gesture of papal humility�gave the pectoral cross and bishop's ring he was wearing to the visitor.

From Time Magazine Archive