cap and bells

American  

noun

1. a fool's cap hung with bells.

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cap and bells British  

noun

1. the traditional garb of a court jester, including a cap with bells attached to it

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Etymology

Origin of cap and bells

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Cap and Bells signed an agreement with Broadcast Music, Inc. for the rights to publish three songs from the score: “Phinney’s Rainbow,” “How Do I Know?” and “Still Got My Heart.”

From Seattle Times

Sondheim was an 18-year-old sophomore when he wrote the music for “Phinney’s Rainbow,” a show that had just four performances sponsored by Williams’ theatrical organization Cap and Bells.

From Seattle Times

“A cap and bells. Put it on and I might let you out.”

From Literature

Unfortunately I didn't get much of a chance to talk to master Partridge, his cap and bells.

From The Guardian

Here he has stolen a jester's cap and bells, And dances with the queen.

From Project Gutenberg