noun
bearskin
BAIR-skin/ˈberskɪn/
The pelt of a bear used as a covering.
The museum displays a bearskin once used as a winter covering.
Etymology
The compound joins the animal's name to a word for hide or fur. Skin originally referred to animal hide in English, making the pelt sense central rather than an extension from human skin.
In context
The solution is, predictably, controversial. The black fur required for these bearskin caps is imported from Canada
More examples
- A ceremonial guard wears a tall bearskin.
- The cabin's inventory lists two old bearskins.
- The painting shows a bearskin spread beside the hearth.
Forms
bearskin · bearskins
Similar words
- pelt
- Any animal's skin and fur rather than specifically a bear's.
- fur hat
- Names the headwear without identifying its material or ceremonial shape.