billycock
Definition
billycock (noun)
A type of hat, typically a hard felt hat with a rounded crown and a wide brim, often associated with rural or working-class wear in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is similar to a bowler hat but sometimes with a slightly different shape or brim size.
Usage Examples
- (A hat of this type, used for practical outdoor work.)
- (A specific style of hat in historical imagery.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "billycock" is now largely historical or regional, often used in British English to describe a type of hat that was once common among farmers, gamekeepers, and other rural workers.
- In some contexts, "billycock" may be used interchangeably with "bowler hat," but the billycock typically has a slightly softer brim and a less rigid crown.
Variants and Related Words
- Billycock hat (noun phrase): a full term for the hat, emphasizing its type.
- He tipped his billycock hat to the lady. (He used the hat in a polite gesture.)
Synonyms
- Bowler hat: a similar hard felt hat with a rounded crown, more common in urban settings.
- Derby hat: the American term for a bowler hat, sometimes used for similar hats.
- Hard hat (in a historical sense): a general term for stiff felt hats, though not specific to this style.
Related Idioms
- No common idioms are associated with "billycock" as it is a specific, niche term.