cap

¹cap

noun, often attributive \ˈkap\

Definition of CAP

1

a : a head covering especially with a visor and no brim b : a distinctive head covering emblematic of a position or office: as (1) : a cardinal's biretta (2) : mortarboard

2

: a natural cover or top: as a : an overlying rock layer that is usually hard to penetrate b (1) : pileus (2) : calyptra c : the top of a bird's head or a patch of distinctively colored feathers in this area

3

a : something that serves as a cover or protection especially for a tip, knob, or end <a bottle cap> b : a fitting for closing the end of a tube (as a water pipe or electric conduit) c British : cervical cap d : an artificial crown for a tooth

4

: an overlaying or covering structure

5

: a paper or metal container holding an explosive charge (as for a toy pistol)

6

: an upper limit (as on expenditures) : ceiling

7

: the symbol ∩ indicating the intersection of two sets — compare cup 9

8

: a cluster of molecules or chemical groups bound to one end or a region of a cell, virus, or molecule

— cap in hand

: in a respectful, humble, or sometimes fearful manner

Origin of CAP

Middle English cappe, from Old English cæppe, from Late Latin cappa head covering, cloak

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Clothing Terms

babushka, brogue, bumbershoot, cravat, dishabille, furbelow, layette, raiment, spectator