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bearskin

American  
[bair-skin] / ˈbɛərˌskɪn /

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 British  
/ 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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of bearskin

First recorded in 1670–80; bear 2 + skin

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Agnew mailed Merriam a single tooth, but the bearskin had already been sent to someone in Korea.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 13, 2026

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 May 14, 2024

Hundreds of Coldstream Guards throwing their bearskin hats into the air and shouting “hip, hip hooray!”

From Seattle Times May 6, 2023

Brass bands and soldiers in bearskin hats will troop through the streets.

From Washington Times May 3, 2023

Another Huntsman, in a heavy cloak of bearskin, crouched beside them.

From "The Black Cauldron" by Lloyd Alexander

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