bearskin

[ bair-skin ]

noun

1. the skin or pelt of a bear.
2. a tall, black fur cap forming part of the dress uniform of a soldier in some armies.

bearskin

/ ˈbɛəˌskɪn /

noun

1. the pelt of a bear, esp when used as a rug
2. a tall helmet of black fur worn by certain regiments in the British Army
3. a rough shaggy woollen cloth, used for overcoats

Word History and Origins

Origin of bearskin¹

First recorded in 1670–80; bear ² + skin

Example Sentences

Animal welfare campaigners have claimed it is cruel and unnecessary for the King's Guard to use real fur, saying it takes the fur of one bear to make each bearskin.

From BBC

Earlier this year, actor Stephen Fry called for an end to the use of real fur in the bearskin caps worn by the King's Guard, who are seen on duty outside Buckingham Palace.

From BBC

That means no bear rugs or selling them to the company that makes the famous, black bearskin hats worn by guards outside London’s Buckingham Palace.

From Seattle Times

Mr Pile-Grey took part in dozens of state occasions, tying up his hair to fit into his bearskin.

From BBC

Heir to the throne Prince William and government ministers also attended the welcome ceremony, where the king and president inspected rows of soldiers from the Scots Guards in grey tunics and bearskin hats.

From Seattle Times