coonskin

[ koon-skin ]

noun

1. the pelt of a raccoon.
2. an article of clothing made of coonskin, especially a cap with a tail.

adjective

1. made of coonskin:

   a coonskin cap.

coonskin

/ ˈkuːnˌskɪn /

noun

1. the pelt of a raccoon
2. a raccoon cap with the tail hanging at the back
3. an overcoat made of raccoon

Word History and Origins

Origin of coonskin¹

An Americanism dating back to 1615–25; coon + skin

Example Sentences

In 1954, Disney sparked a youth craze with its “Davy Crockett” serial, with the TV frontiersman’s trademark coonskin cap becoming a must-have for children.

From New York Times

Certain classics — rubber alligators and coonskin caps — remain popular, as do Mexican blankets and Baja jackets.

From New York Times

Glover, a neuroscience major, will officially don the mountaineer’s coonskin cap, buckskins and rifle at the Gold-Blue Spring Game on Saturday, April 18.

From Washington Times

Skinned and tanned, he could become a passable coonskin cap.

From Washington Post

Mom cut a faux fur coat into a Davy Crockett coonskin cap that I wore defending the Alamo.

From Los Angeles Times