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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of bearskin

First recorded in 1670–80; bear ² + skin

Example Sentences

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

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

From Seattle Times • May 6, 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

He also wore tight- fitting leggings of similar materials, a bearskin cap with a chin strap, and shoes constructed from woven grass, tree fibers, and deer hide.

From Textbooks • Apr. 19, 2023

There was perfume, and a white bearskin rug in the bedroom in front of the fireplace, and Mollie smoked a goldtipped cigarette— Violet Milo—with her coffee after dinner.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck