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mantle

Apparel
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A loose, sleeveless outer garment worn over other clothing, functioning as a poetic emblem of authority, sanctity, or the weight of inherited tradition.

Detailed Definition
In literary usage, the mantle often transcends mere raiment to become a metonym for a role or calling, as in the "mantle of the prophet" or the "mantle of kingship." Poets draw upon this association to explore themes of succession, duty, and the burden of legacy. The mantle's ample fabric also lends itself to images of shelter and envelopment, sometimes appearing in nature poetry as a covering of snow or darkness over the landscape. In Arthurian romance, the mantle can be enchanted, revealing a lady's fidelity or treachery. Its absence or removal frequently signals vulnerability, abdication, or the stripping away of pretense. The word itself carries a resonant, weighty cadence, making it a favorite for blank verse and heroic couplets where dignity of tone is paramount.
Example
Example in poetry:
"He took up the mantle of his father and wore it like a second skin"; "The mantle's heavy wool was a burden and a blessing"; "She wrapped her mantle around the child and held the cold at bay"; "The mantle, trimmed with fur, was the only warmth in the frozen hall"; "He laid his mantle at her feet and swore his allegiance"; "The mantle's folds concealed a dagger and a letter and a heart"
Additional Notes
In literary usage, the mantle often transcends mere raiment to become a metonym for a role or calling, as in the "mantle of the prophet" or the "mantle of kingship." Poets draw upon this association to explore themes of succession, duty, and the burden of legacy. The mantle's ample fabric also lends itself to images of shelter and envelopment, sometimes appearing in nature poetry as a covering of snow or darkness over the landscape. In Arthurian romance, the mantle can be enchanted, revealing a lady's fidelity or treachery. Its absence or removal frequently signals vulnerability, abdication, or the stripping away of pretense. The word itself carries a resonant, weighty cadence, making it a favorite for blank verse and heroic couplets. Related terms include cloak, robe, and cape. Students should note the mantle's metaphorical power as a symbol of authority, protection, and inherited responsibility.
Also Known As
cloak cape enveloping garment
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