Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tall ceremonial military hat: A bearskin is a tall, black fur hat traditionally worn by certain British Army regiments, such as the Guards, on formal or ceremonial occasions.
   • The pelt or skin of a bear: A bearskin can also refer to the complete hide of a bear, which may be used as a rug or a garment.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Ceremonial Hat):
  • The soldier's uniform was completed by a tall bearskin.
  • The changing of the guard is famous for the guardsmen wearing red tunics and bearskins.
• Noun (Animal Hide):
  • A large bearskin rug lay in front of the fireplace.
  • In historical times, trappers would sell bearskins.

Advanced Usage

• "In full bearskin": Describing a soldier wearing the complete ceremonial uniform including the bearskin hat.
  • The regiment paraded in full bearskin for the state visit.

Variants and Related Words

• Bearskin rug (noun phrase): A rug made from the hide of a bear.
  • The library had a luxurious bearskin rug on the floor.
• Busby (noun): A similar type of tall military fur hat, sometimes used interchangeably in general context but technically different in style and regiment.

Synonyms

• Ceremonial hat: For the hat meaning.
• Fur hat: A general term.
• Hide, pelt: For the animal skin meaning.

Related Phrases

• To don the bearskin: To put on or wear the bearskin hat, often implying assuming a ceremonial role.
  • For the ceremony, each new guard will don the bearskin.

Related Idioms

Noun

1. tall hat; worn by some British soldiers on ceremonial occasions
2. the pelt of a bear (sometimes used as a rug)