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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:

She was also seen having a close encounter with a dancer dressed as a soldier wearing a bearskin hat during the show, broadcast live on ITV.

From BBC Mar. 6, 2025

Animal welfare campaigners have claimed it is cruel and unnecessary for the King's Guard to use real fur, saying it takes the fur of one bear to make each bearskin.

From BBC Sep. 11, 2024

All the royals were dressed in red and gold tunics and tall black bearskin hats, matching the uniforms worn by many of the 1,400 soldiers taking part.

From Seattle Times Jun. 17, 2023

Soldiers in distinctive red tunics and bearskin hats are lining the Mall in front of Buckingham Palace, where hundreds of royal fans have braved wet weather and gathered early to secure the best viewing spot.

From Washington Times May 6, 2023

“Watch the bear,” he said, just as I tripped on the open sneering mouth of a black bearskin rug, its fangs a trap in the gloom for the unwary.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly

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