skullcap

[ skuhl-kap ]

noun

1. a small, brimless close-fitting cap, often made of silk or velvet, worn on the crown of the head, as for religious functions.
2. the domelike roof of the skull.
3. Botany. any of various plants belonging to the genus Scutellaria, of the mint family, having a calyx resembling a helmet.

skullcap

/ ˈskʌlˌkæp /

noun

1. a rounded brimless hat fitting the crown of the head
2. See calvaria
   the nontechnical name for calvaria
3. any of various perennial plants of the genus Scutellaria, esp S. galericulata, that typically have helmet-shaped flowers: family Lamiaceae (labiates)

Word History and Origins

Origin of skullcap¹

First recorded in 1675–85; skull + cap ¹

Example Sentences

A crew led by Dutch physician-turned-anthropologist Eugène Dubois had uncovered a skullcap and thigh bone.

From Science News For Students

In the 1890s, a crew led by Dutch physician-turned-anthropologist Eugène Dubois had uncovered a skullcap and thigh bone on the Indonesian island of Java.

From Science News

No one outside his inner circle had been made aware, because the cut could be hidden under his skullcap.

From The Daily Beast

He does not wear a skullcap, the most prominent marker of Orthodox observance.

From The Daily Beast

And there this year was Melching, translating again, but this time the deep voice of Demba Diawara, an elderly imam in a skullcap.

From The Daily Beast

The merchant debated, removing his skullcap, smoothing his grizzled fringe of curls, fitting the cap on again deliberately.

From Project Gutenberg

Solly Gumble removed his skullcap, fluffed his scanty ring of curls, and drew on the cap again.

From Project Gutenberg

Sir Peter, an old gentleman in a velvet skullcap, particularly enlarged upon the latter.

From Project Gutenberg

Five or six gentlemen, whom I recognized as the directors of the asylum, were standing round the steward in the black skullcap.

From Project Gutenberg

She had expected to find an old man with spectacles and a skullcap, the typical pawnbroker one sees in the moving pictures.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cranium
• scalp