rhizoverbBeta
DictionarychapeauHat
noun

chapeau

sha-POH/ʃæˈpoʊ/

A hat, especially a stylish or formal one.

A stylish brimmed chapeau rests on the stand.

An elegant brimmed formal hat rests on a stand, stylish chapeau.
Etymology
chapLatincape, hooded cloak
+eauLatindiminutive

A diminutive of cappa, “cape” or “hooded cloak,” became a word for a head-covering. Chapeau retains the hat meaning, especially for a hat belonging to an official costume or uniform.

More examples

  • The elaborate chapeau drew admiring looks.
  • He tipped his chapeau in greeting.
  • A feather decorated the fashionable chapeau.

Forms

chapeau · chapeaus · chapeaux

Similar words

hat
Hat is the ordinary term; chapeau is a French borrowing often used with stylish or playful emphasis.
bonnet
A bonnet is a particular hat style; chapeau can name a hat more generally.