fool's cap

noun

1. a traditional jester's cap or hood, often multicolored and usually having several drooping peaks from which bells are hung.
2. dunce cap.

fool's cap

noun

1. a hood or cap with bells or tassels, worn by court jesters
2. a dunce's cap

Word History and Origins

Origin of fool's cap¹

First recorded in 1625–35

Example Sentences

He puts on his fool’s cap and plays and dances and hopes he amuses.”

From New York Times

When the wind chill reaches 20 degrees, the only hat that will make you look like a fool is an actual fool’s cap, I decree, off the top of my head, which these days I am covering with a rabbit-fur ushanka.

From Slate

"Troel" is quite the fantastical creature with his carrot-shaped nose, crooked fool's cap, wispy beard and blearily closed eyes.

From Seattle Times

Each one has a tall hat on his head, shaped very much like a fool’s cap, but set on awry to meet the contingencies of their tails that are twisted round their heads.

From Project Gutenberg

Death, with a fool’s cap and hood, a dagger of lath, and a bladder, holds up an hour-glass with his right hand; with his left he seizes the hand of a terrified lady accompanied by a gentleman, who endeavours to thrust away the unwelcome companion.

From Project Gutenberg