chapeau bras

[ brah ]

noun

1. a small three-cornered hat, worn by gentlemen in full dress in the 18th century, that could be folded flat and carried under the arm.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chapeau bras¹

1755–65; < French: arm hat

Example Sentences

In the character of a young man with a chapeau bras he brings a urinal for the physician’s inspection.

From Project Gutenberg

General Sarsfield Lucan wore an old brown surtout, with the collar turned up behind to keep his neck warm, and a scrap of dirty white ribbon fastened to one of the button-holes; a black velvet waistcoat, powdered with tarnished silver fleurs-de-lis, and an ancient well-worn chapeau bras, surmounted with a fringe of black feathers.

From Project Gutenberg

The Latin and Greek languages he considered "in no other light than as the Chapeau bras of modern Literature."

From Project Gutenberg

He carries a chapeau bras under his arm—a hat for carrying only, since he will not ruffle his wig.

From Project Gutenberg

In truth, though Frank saw something quizzical in the old-fashioned and outlandish cut of the Italian's sober dress; in his long hair, and the chapeau bras, over which he bowed so gracefully, and then pressed it, as if to his heart, before tucking it under his arm, after the fashion in which the gizzard reposes under the wing of a roasted pullet; yet it was impossible that even Frank could deny to Riccabocca that praise which is due to the air and manner of an unmistakable gentleman.

From Project Gutenberg