noun
chaplet
CHAP-lut/ˈtʃæplət/
A wreath or garland worn on the head.
Fresh leaves and flowers form a small circular chaplet.
Etymology
The “small hat” image connects naturally with a garland worn on the head. The same Old French word already meant both a garland and a rosary, supplying the wreath and prayer-bead senses.
In context
he laid his pearl chaplet upon the head of de Ribeaumont.
More examples
- She made a chaplet from laurel leaves.
- The painting shows a child wearing a rose chaplet.
- Fresh chaplets decorated the performers' hair.
Forms
chaplet · chaplets
Similar words
- crown
- Crown often implies rank or ceremony; chaplet specifically suggests a wreath or garland worn on the head.