Definition

Noun: 1. A woman's shoulder cape, often made of fur or fabric, with hanging ends: A "tippet" is a specific type of short cape or covering for the shoulders and neck, historically worn by women. It is characterized by long ends that hang down in front. Traditionally, it was often made from the whole fur of an animal like a fox or marten. 2. A long, narrow strip of cloth worn as part of ceremonial or official dress: In some contexts, particularly ecclesiastical or academic, a "tippet" can refer to a long black scarf worn over the gown, such as by clergy, choir members, or university officials.

Examples

• Historical/Fashion Context:
  • The portrait from the 18th century shows the lady wearing an elegant fur tippet over her gown.
  • Her winter outfit was completed with a velvet tippet trimmed with lace.
• Ceremonial/Professional Context:
  • The bishop's ceremonial robes included a long, black tippet.
  • The university official wore his academic gown and tippet for the graduation ceremony.

Advanced Usage

• "To wear the tippet": This phrase can be used figuratively to indicate holding a specific office or role, especially within a church or university, that is symbolized by the wearing of a tippet.
  • He has worn the tippet of a canon for twenty years.

Variants and Related Words

• Tippets (plural noun): The standard plural form.
  • The collection featured tippets from different historical periods.

Synonyms

• Cape: A general term for a sleeveless outer garment fastened at the neck and hanging from the shoulders.
• Pelisse: A woman's long cloak or cape, often lined or trimmed with fur (historically similar).
• Stole: A woman's long scarf or shawl, often of fur or fabric, worn around the shoulders (a broader, more modern term for a similar item).

Related Phrases

• Academic tippet: Specifically refers to the black scarf worn as part of formal academic dress.
• Preacher's tippet: Specifically refers to the black scarf worn by some clergy.

Noun

1. a woman's fur shoulder cape with hanging ends; often consisting of the whole fur of a fox or marten