chimney-pot-hat
Noun: A "chimney-pot-hat" is a type of tall, cylindrical hat with a flat top, traditionally made of silk or felt, resembling the shape of a chimney pot. It is also known as a top hat or stovepipe hat. This headwear was commonly worn by men in formal attire during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
- (A tall, formal hat.)
- (Historical formal headwear.)
- (A preserved example of the hat.)
"to tip one's chimney-pot-hat": a historical gesture of greeting or respect, where a man would slightly tilt his top hat.
- He tipped his chimney-pot-hat to the lady as she passed by. (A polite, formal greeting.)
"chimney-pot-hat society": a metaphorical term referring to the upper-class or elite social circles where such hats were commonly worn.
- The ball was attended by the chimney-pot-hat society of the city. (The wealthy, fashionable elite.)
Top hat (n): a synonym for chimney-pot-hat, often used in modern English.
- The magician pulled a rabbit out of his top hat. (A similar tall, formal hat.)
Stovepipe hat (n): another synonym, emphasizing the hat's cylindrical shape like a stovepipe.
- Abraham Lincoln was famous for his stovepipe hat. (A historical example.)
- Top hat: the most common term for this type of headwear.
- Stovepipe hat: a less common but descriptive synonym.
- Silk hat: refers to the material often used in making these hats.
"Top hat and tails": a phrase describing formal evening wear, including a chimney-pot-hat.
- He arrived at the gala in top hat and tails. (Full formal attire.)
"Dressed to the nines": elegantly dressed, which might include wearing a chimney-pot-hat.
- For the opera, she was dressed to the nines, complete with a chimney-pot-hat. (Very stylishly attired.)