capuchin

[ kap-yoo-chin, -shin ]

noun

1. a Central and South American monkey, Cebus capucinus, having a prehensile tail and hair on the head resembling a cowl.
2. any monkey of the genus Cebus.
3. a hooded cloak for women.
4. (initial capital letter) Also called Friar Minor Capuchin. Roman Catholic Church. a friar belonging to the branch of the Franciscan order that observes vows of poverty and austerity. Compare Friar Minor, Friar Minor Conventual.

Capuchin

¹

/ ˈkæpjʊtʃɪn; ˈkæpjʊʃɪn /

noun

1. 1. a friar belonging to a strict and autonomous branch of the Franciscan order founded in 1525
   2. ( as modifier )

      a Capuchin friar

capuchin

²

/ ˈkæpjʊtʃɪn; -ʃɪn /

noun

1. any agile intelligent New World monkey of the genus Cebus, inhabiting forests in South America, typically having a cowl of thick hair on the top of the head
2. a woman's hooded cloak
3. sometimes capital a rare variety of domestic fancy pigeon

Word History and Origins

Origin of capuchin¹

1590–1600; < Middle French < Italian cappuccino, equivalent to cappucc ( io ) capuche + -ino -ine ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of capuchin¹

C16: from French; see capuche

Origin of capuchin²

C16: from French, from Italian cappuccino, from cappuccio hood; see capuche

Example Sentences

He wore the hooded brown habit and sandals of a Franciscan Capuchin friar.

From The Daily Beast

For centuries, Capuchin monks followed simple embalming practices.

From The Daily Beast

The Italians also have a soft spot for Capuchin Franciscans, who have long been known for their work with the poor.

From The Daily Beast

But that kid from Podunk, now unloading freight at the big-box store, is a universe away from Oxford and a Capuchin friar buddy.

From The Daily Beast

Much later a friend who was a Capuchin friar held for Marlantes an effective healing Mass for the Dead at Old Mission Santa Inez.

From The Daily Beast

This is small, has brown hair, and commonly known by the name of the capuchin monkey.

From Project Gutenberg

Michael said that he did, and the Capuchin invited him to come back to the convent and see his collection.

From Project Gutenberg

He could not imagine anything more harmless than this Capuchin friar with the sore on his lip.

From Project Gutenberg

We penetrated to the Capuchin mission, which had never been visited by any naturalist.

From Project Gutenberg

Of these there were different kinds; but that which first drew the attention of our party was the great Capuchin monkey.

From Project Gutenberg