Definition

1. Noun:
   • A protective helmet for the head: A piece of armor or protective gear designed to cover and safeguard the head.
   • The band that is the part of a bridle that fits around a horse's head: The part of a horse's bridle consisting of straps that go over the head, behind the ears, and under the throat, to which the bit and reins are attached.
   • An ornamental design at the beginning of a chapter or section of a book: A decorative illustration or typographic element placed at the start of a chapter or section in a book.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The knight's headpiece was made of polished steel. (The knight's protective helmet was made of polished steel.)
  • Adjust the headpiece of the bridle to ensure the horse is comfortable. (Adjust the part of the bridle that fits around the horse's head to ensure the horse is comfortable.)
  • The book's elegant headpiece featured intricate floral patterns. (The book's elegant decorative design at the chapter's beginning featured intricate floral patterns.)

Advanced Usage

• "To have a good headpiece" (archaic/idiomatic): To be intelligent or have a good mind.
  • The old professor was known to have a good headpiece. (The old professor was known to be very intelligent.)

Variants and Related Words

• Headstall (noun): Another term for the part of a bridle that is the headpiece.
  • The leather headstall was finely crafted.
• Helmet (noun): A modern, general term for a protective head covering.
  • Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.

Synonyms

• Helmet: A protective head covering.
• Headstall: The part of a bridle fitting over a horse's head.
• Vignette: A small decorative design or illustration (similar to the typographic headpiece).

Related Phrases

• Headgear (noun): A broader term encompassing any covering for the head, including helmets, hats, and bridle parts.
  • The museum displayed various types of historical headgear.

Noun

1. a protective helmet for the head
2. the band that is the part of a bridle that fits around a horse's head