Definition

Noun: A mobcap is a type of large, soft woman's cap, typically made of fine fabric like linen or cotton, characterized by a full, puffed crown and often trimmed with frills, lace, or ruffles. It was historically worn indoors to protect the hair or as informal daywear.

Usage

The word mobcap is a historical term. It is used to describe a specific item of women's headwear from the 18th and early 19th centuries. * It is typically modified by adjectives describing its material or appearance (e.g., frilly mobcap, linen mobcap, white mobcap). * It is used in historical narratives, costume descriptions, and discussions of period fashion.

Examples

• The maid in the painting wore a simple mobcap tied under her chin.
• For comfort at home, ladies would often replace their elaborate wigs with a soft mobcap.
• The costume designer sourced authentic lace to recreate the mobcaps for the film set in the 1790s.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used metaphorically or evocatively to suggest an old-fashioned, quaint, or rustic domestic setting.
  • The novel's description of the kitchen, with its copper pots and servants in mobcaps, evoked a bygone era.

Variants and Related Words

• Cap (n.): A general term for a close-fitting head covering. A mobcap is a specific type of cap.
• Bonnet (n.): A hat that ties under the chin, typically worn outdoors. Unlike a mobcap, a bonnet usually has a stiff brim.
• Coif (n.): A close-fitting cap, often of linen, worn in medieval and Renaissance periods.

Synonyms

• Day cap
• Indoor cap
• House cap

Antonyms

• There are no direct antonyms, as it is a specific item. Contrasting terms might include outdoor bonnet, wig, or hat.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• In one's mobcap: A phrase describing a woman in a state of informal, at-home dress.
  • She was caught in her mobcap when the unexpected guests arrived.

Noun

1. large high frilly cap with a full crown; formerly worn indoors by women